Ticket's Taken

by Bed Head

First published 4th of April, 2016

It's time for the Grand Galloping Gala! But who's going to take Twilight?

Part of the Flipverse! (Needs wiki magic love)

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Across Equestria, there's one event that even the least sociable ponies look forward to: The Grand Galloping Gala! A magical night of music, dancing, meeting nobility, an other fairy-tale wonders...

And now Twilight, Number One Assistant to Equestria's Element of Magic, finally has her chance to go! The invitations have been sent, and of course Ponyville's six newest heroes made the guest list, Spike included! And there's no way that he wouldn't bring his oldest friend along as his "Plus One", right?

Well, even if that were to happen, there's still five other ponies with tickets in town...

Chapter 1

For most ponies, the word "dragon" meant one thing: Something to run away from very quickly.

Usually, Twilight would have been happy to tell "most ponies" that they didn't know her.

"Uh, Twilight?"

This time, however, she was in a rare moment of jealousy for those storybook monsters. Their terrifyingly huge size. Massive wings, capable of causing hurricanes with a single flap. The ability to breathe gouts of white-hot flame, to take whatever they wanted without caring about who got hurt in the process...

Twilight was considering all those as her scaly arms strained upward. Especially how much easier it would be to reach the top shelves of the Golden Oaks Library if she could simply raid the nearest hardware store for a taller ladder. Her tongue stuck from the side of her mouth as she concentrated on her balance, standing on the tips of her clawed toes as she tried to put the uppermost level of books just a bit closer.

"Hey, Twilight?" the voice called again from somewhere below her.

"J-just—" Twilight paused, taking a second to steady herself as her eyes locked onto her target. "Just one more second!"

Drawing in a deep breath, Twilight bent her legs before springing from the ladder. Somepony below her gasped, likely in horror. Twilight barely noticed as she let out a triumphant cry, her claws grasping the book she'd been reaching for. With a quick yank, the tome slid free. Letting out a "Whoop!" of excitement, she grabbed hold of the ladder with her free paw and slid quickly back down to the library floor.

"Got it! Epona's Legend: Quest for the Sacred Saddle!" Twilight was smiling broadly as she held out the book. "I think you'll really like this one. There's tons of adventure, fighting, searching through ancient temples—"

Twilight's smile faltered as she looked up. The library's sole other occupant, a pale-gray pegasus colt, had a small grimace on his face as he looked at the book.

"Something wrong, Rumble?" she asked, tucking Epona's Legend under one arm.

"Well, not really but..." The colt paused for a second to blow a strand of his dark mane away from his face. "It's just... uhh..."

He gestured vaguely around them. Twilight followed his hoof, blushing slightly as she saw the various stacks of books she'd placed on the desks around the room. All of them organized alphabetically and by subject (of course), and leaving several notable gaps on the shelves.

"My book report is only supposed to be on one book," Rumble finished.

"Oh. Right." Twilight could feel her cheeks grow warmer still as she plodded over to one of the stacks. "Guess I got a little carried away."

"This is just 'a little' carried away?"

Twilight shot a sardonic look over her shoulder at Rumble's muttering. She was almost impressed at how fast the colt managed to force on a smile.

"I mean... heh heh, how about I help put some of these away?" Rumble quickly offered. "You worked so hard to help me find something for Miss Cheerilee's book report contest after all!"

"Hey, any friend... or little brother as the case may be, of Thunderlane's is a friend of mine!" Twilight said, her own smile returning as she started to gather some of the books. "So, any clue what that 'special prize' you mentioned is supposed to be?"

"No idea," Rumble answered as he moved to another pile. "But Miss Cheerilee looked super excited when she told us about it, so it's gotta be good!"

Twilight just giggled a bit in agreement as she hefted up a pile of fantasy novels. Mentally, she filed away the image of Ponyville's school teacher bouncing on her hooves the same way Rumble had when he first arrived.

"Sounds like I'm going to be pretty busy today then," she commented as she started walking towards the shelves.

WHAM

"OhmygoshthisisthegreatestthingEVER!"

Twilight didn't have time to turn and see who had slammed the door open. A series of loud THUDS immediately followed the excited voice as her carefully organized book stacks toppled in all directions. Including on top of her, sending the young dragoness sprawling to the ground amidst countless mystery and horror stories.

Thankfully, her thick scales absorbed most of the damage. That didn't stop her from feeling a little sore as she gingerly lifted her head. She did her best not to be angry as she looked at the pony responsible for the crash. A lavender unicorn filly, wearing a sheepish smile as she nervously patted down her blond mane.

"Uh... oops..." Dinky Doo muttered, shuffling her hooves. "Sorry!"

Somewhere behind her, Twilight could hear Rumble shifting underneath his own pile of books. She simply let out a sigh, trying to keep the frustration out of it.

Well, I was right...

Rumble let out a low groan. It was about all he could do with the numerous dictionaries that had collapsed on top of him. He still wasn't entirely sure why Twilight had added those to any of the piles and, given that one had pinned his muzzle shut, he couldn't exactly ask. All he could do was lay still, listening to the duo of approaching voices and the sound of books being moved.

"Oh gosh, I'm soooo super-duper sorry Twilight!" Rumble flinched a bit. That had been Dinky Doo's voice. There was no mistaking his classmate's energetic tone.

"It's alright, Dinky," Twilight said, as Rumble felt some of the weight on his body lift away. "Rumble and I were just about to clean up anyway."

A clawed hand finally pulled the dictionary off his mouth. Rumble flinched, wrinkling his muzzle a bit to test it out.

"Ow..." he groaned, prodding at his smarting nose with a now-freed hoof.

Looking up, he quickly stopped his poking. Dinky was looking right at him, her bright yellow eyes wide and worried.

"Er, I mean, right." He corrected himself, shaking off the last few books himself and standing back up.

Rumble gave his wings a test flap, letting out a quick sigh of relief as he felt no pain. That seemed to be enough for the other two as Dinky's smile immediately returned. Twilight flashed him a grin of her own and set to gathering up the books spread around the floor.

"See? No harm done," Twilight said as she hoisted small stack of tomes up. "Though maybe in the future you could be a little, uh... calmer when you come visit? This is a library after all."

Dinky blushed a bit, but Rumble could see her body tense up. A sudden warning shot through his body, and the pegasus colt quickly stepped aside.

"I know, and I'm sorry!" Dinky sprang forward, nearly bowling over Twilight again as she landed in the spot Rumble had occupied a second ago. "But something amazing happened and I just had to tell everypony I know! And the library is closest to-my-house-and-Rumble-saidhewascomingheretofindabooksoI--"

"Wait, is this about Miss Cheerilee's book report?" Rumble asked, even as he wondered just how he managed to pick his name out of Dinky's rambling. "Cuz I was in class today so—"

"No! It's even better than that!" Dinky cheered, spinning so fast she nearly knocked heads with the colt. "It's the greatest thing that's ever happened to anypony ever!"

Rumble could feel his ears ringing from Dinky's voice. His did his best to just return the filly's smile, while testing how slowly he could back away. With the way she was starting to pant for breath, that grin was suddenly looking more frightening than anything else.

"Alright..." Rumble said, slowly nodding his head.

"Well, don't keep us in suspense," Twilight encouraged, still balancing the books she'd picked up. "Just remember to take a deep breath first, okay?"

Dinky did just that. Rumble's ears fell flat as the unicorn's chest swelled out. For a second, he worried that she was about to explode. An instant later he was certain she had. There was no other way she could have shouted loud enough to rattle every window in the library.

Rumble's eye twitched a bit. His ears weren't ringing any longer. Neither was Twilight actually talking even as her mouth moved and her eyes went wide. Nervously, the colt rubbed one hoof against his ear.

"Uh... great?" He breathed a small sigh of relief at the sound of his own voice, realizing he could still hear. "So--"

THUD

Twilight's books hitting the ground cut him off. The dragon was staring at Dinky in disbelief, her fangs on full display thanks to her mouth gaping open. Rumble winced and quickly flattened his ears again, preparing for another high-pitched auditory assault.

"Th-the Grand Galloping Gala!?" Twilight stammered out, proving Rumble's fears. "Oh my gosh! Dinky, are you serious?!"

"Yeah! There was a fancy envelope in her mail deliveries today, and it was addressed to her and everything!" Dinky was bouncing so fast she was practically a blur. "And that's not even the best part!"

Rumble had to close his eyes. Mostly because watching the unicorn filly was starting to make him dizzy. Cautiously, he peeked out and glanced over Twilight. He almost immediately regretted doing so, as the dragon had joined in the bouncing, eagerly motioning for Dinky to continue.

"Mommy's ticket said she can bring a guest..." Dinky paused for breath, a delighted little squeak escaping before she continued. "And she said she's gonna take me!"

Rumble was silently thankful that Twilight let out a gasp. He wasn't sure his ears could take another shrill cheer. Though he couldn't hide the fact that his eyes were going wide with surprise just like hers.

"You're going-You're going?! You're going to the Grand Galloping Gala!?!" Twilight's jaw was hanging open, somewhere between shock and a smile. "Dinky that's amazing!"

"Yeah, that's... actually pretty cool," Rumble said, his ears cautiously lifting again.

"I know! That's why I couldn't wait to tell somepony!" Dinky's voice was picking up speed again, already getting dangerously close to high-pitched babbling. "It's gonna be just like a fairy-tale with music and dancing and pretty dresses—"

"Ooh, don't forget all the other ponies that will be there!" Twilight jumped in. "Some of Equestria's most noted scholars and philosophers—"

"—And the princess will be there and probably a handsome prince—"

"—Talking about history, magical theory, science—"

Rumble's small groan went unheard as Dinky and Twilight continued to talk over each other. He was quickly losing track as they spoke on and on in the sort of high-speed chatter that only girls seemed capable of understanding. His eyes travelled away from the excited duo, settling instead on the much calmer pile of books he'd been dug out of. He couldn't help but notice the Epona's Quest book that Twilight had been recommending sitting on top.

With a shrug, he scooped the book up.

"Ooooh, you're so lucky!" Twilight's voice was finally winning out over Dinky's. Likely because the filly had finally stopped to breathe again. "I wish I could go too..."

"Don't they have the Gala up in Canterlot like, every year?" Rumble asked as he opened his book. "You musta been to it before."

Rumble realized he'd said something wrong as the room went silent. He looked up from the book, biting down on his lip as he saw Twilight's eyes cast down to the floor. Even Dinky seemed less excited suddenly, trotting up behind the dragon with a worried look on her face.

"Not exactly... I mean... well, the princess thought T-Trixie was too young to go back when... uh, you know..." Twilight cleared her throat and quickly started gathering up the books by her feet again. "And there was always another pony covering it for The Sun so Spike's never been invited—"

"Really?" Dinky asked, tilting her head in confusion. "But mommy said he got an invitation too."

THUD

Here we go again.

Rumble flinched as the books hit the floor once more. Again, Twilight didn't seem to notice as she spun to face Dinky.

"He did?" she gasped out, grabbing Dinky's shoulders. "You're sure?!"

"Uh-huh! Mommy ran into him in town, so she gave him the letter then." Dinky explained, still smiling but her bouncing restrained by Twilight's grip. "Same thing for Miss Cheerilee and Mister Time Turner and—"

"Oh my gosh YES!"

Twilight's cheer wasn't anywhere near as loud as Dinky's. Rumble still jumped however, though more to avoid the joyful dragon crashing into him. Balancing the book on one wing, he simply stared as Twilight seemingly launched into a seizure, her body twisting and her arms flailing as she started laughing.

"Uh, are you feeling okay Twilight?" Rumble asked, uncertain whether to move closer or run and find a doctor.

"Ditzy Doo must have gotten her ticket for helping stop Nightmare Moon!" Twilight was still spasming, her legs kicking out in what Rumble was starting to realize was supposed to be some kind of joyful dance. "And if Ditzy's ticket lets her bring a guest--"

"Then Mister Spike's will too!" Dinky gasped out, suddenly jumping forward. "And that means—"

"We're both going to the Gala!" Twilight shouted, grabbing the unicorn filly in a tight hug.

Rumble did his best to smile as the two girls began jumping together. It was a bit strained, however, with the duo of sing-song voices filling the library with an endless chant of "We're going to the Gala! We're going to the Gala!"

"And that means Rumble can come with us!" Dinky cheered.

Rumble's ears shot straight back up as he heard that.

"Wait, wha-oof!" Was all Rumble managed to get out before Dinky suddenly had her forelegs wrapped around him.

"Cuz if my mommy and Mister Spike got invited then your big brother must have been!" Dinky was shouting practically in his ear, though the incredible strength of her hug was doing a good job of distracting him from that. "That means he'll probably let you be his guest!"

"Ugh, I hope not!" Rumble grumbled, beating his wings as he tried to squirm from the tight embrace. "I'd probably have to wear a tie—"

Rumble cut off in a sharp grunt as he tumbled onto his rear. Just as quickly as she'd grabbed hold, Dinky had released him. Judging by her still-present smile, the filly either hadn't heard his protests or didn't care.

"Today just gets better and better!" Dinky shouted, her voice getting dangerously close to dog-whistle pitched. "And we still have so many more ponies to tell! C'mon Rumble!"

Without waiting for him to even get up, Dinky Doo raced outside. Rumble just sat in place, watching as the front door swung on its hinges in her wake.

Okay... that happened.

Rumble got back to his hooves, only for a purple blur to nearly bowl him over again. It took a second for him to realize it was Twilight, racing from shelf to shelf with a duster in one claw and a stack of books balanced on the other. The mess on the floor was shrinking almost faster than he could follow in the wake of the scaly speed-demon.

"Sooo, did you still need help with that or—" Rumble asked as he started to pick up one of the remaining books.

WHOOSH

His hoof and question both stopped as he looked up from where the book had been a split-second ago. Twilight had finally stopped running around and was looking over her shoulder at the colt. Looking at her wide-eyed stare and the way she kept dusting the shelf next to her, Rumble had the odd feeling that she had forgotten he was still there.

"Oh! Right!" Twilight said, quickly adopting a smile as she looked at the now-clean floors and shelves. "Uh... I guess I've got this handled? Thanks anyway!"

"No problem..." Rumble muttered as he took a few uneasy steps towards the door.

He stopped for a moment as he remembered why he was there. Bending his wing, he slid the only unshelved book left into his forehooves.

"So it's okay if I borrow this, uh, Epona's Quest book? Right?" he asked, holding up the novel for Twilight to see.

"Uh-huh, sure! You enjoy it!" Twilight's eyes weren't even on him as she started towards the back of the library. "And good luck with your report!"

"Thanks!" Rumble called back as he scooped up his saddlebags.

Trying not to look like he was hurrying too much, Rumble slipped the book into the bags and headed out the door. The last thing he saw before it closed behind him was Twilight, carrying what seemed to be a small armory's worth of cleaning supplies with an eager smile on her face.

Standing outside the library in the afternoon sun once again, hearing the one-dragon cleaning crew setting to work and looking down at the trail of (slightly smoking) hoofprints Dinky must have left, Rumble could only think of one thing to say.

"Girls are so weird..."

Bong... Bong... Bong... Bong...

Twilight's ear-fins twitched at the sound of the clock tower ringing in the distance. Four clear chimes which left a smile on her face as she exited the kitchen.

"Perfect," she said as she plodded back into the main reading area.

Her eyes scanned the room one last time. The last hour had passed by in a blur of dusting, sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing, and the room was a testament to her efforts. Every last book was in its proper place, the rugs and curtains were perfectly straightened, and not even a speck of dust was visible on any of the sparkling shelves. On any other day, basking in her spectacularly clean domain would be a reward in itself for Twilight.

Just one final touch.

Shaking herself from the appreciation of her hard work, Twilight set the plate she'd been carrying on the center table. A monstrously huge sandwich dominated the tableware, stacked with more ingredients than even she had been willing to count. Delicately, she swept up the few crumbs that had fallen from it and adjusted the olive that speared to the top of the behemoth meal.

"There!" She cheered to herself, licking the crumbs from her claw. "Now we just need—"

Creak...

"Twi! I'm back!" a voice called out. "And you'll never believe... uh... wow..."

Twilight she spun to the front door. Just as she'd expected, a purple unicorn stallion stood there. The spikes of his green mane were swaying along with the feather tucked into the band of his fedora, following the motions of his head as it turned side to side.

Right on time.

Twilight couldn't hide her excited grin. While his greeting might have trailed off, the surprised look on her oldest friend's face spoke volumes.

"Welcome home, Spike!" she cheered, bounding up and grabbing the stunned stallion in a hug.

She could feel Spike's attention snap back to her. Twilight giggled a bit as a gentle hoof brushed down her spines. She looked up, tightening her embrace a bit as Spike "Purple Prose" Flail smiled down at her.

"Well, looks like somepony's been busy today!" he commented as Twilight released her grip, finally letting him trot inside. "Wasn't it my turn to handle dusting today?"

"Aww, don't worry about that, Spike! You've already been working plenty hard," Twilight encouraged as she closed the door behind him. "I figured you deserved a nice reward, especially—"

Grrr...

Twilight stopped as a low growl from Spike's middle cut her off. The stallion's cheeks flushed a darker shade of purple as he pressed one hoof against his grumbling middle. The dragoness just gave him a reassuring smile, and gestured to the central reading table.

"—Especially since you'd probably be hungry once you got back," she finished with a soft giggle, before adding in a sing-song tone, "I made your fav-orite..."

She didn't have to say anymore. Spike licked his lips as he noticed the sandwich waiting for him. Twilight innocently clasped her claws behind her back as Spike took a seat, a huge smile on his face as he somehow managed to take a bite from the mammoth meal.

"Mmmph! Thsisgrt!" Spike blushed a bit as crumbs and vegetable flecks sprayed from his mouth. He quickly swallowed before letting out an embarrassed chuckle. "Heh, heh, whoops! Sorry, let me—"

"I've got it!" Twilight interrupted, darting to the supply closet.

Before Spike could even get up, she'd raced back with a dustpan and broom. Twilight's short tail was wagging as she started sweeping up the fresh mess. Inwardly, she gave herself a pat on the back and marked make sure Spike enjoys his sandwich from her mental checklist.

"Uh... thanks, Twi." Spike's voice wasn't muffled this time. Looking up from her work, Twilight saw that he'd put his food back down and was watching her with a raised eyebrow. "So, what got into you today?"

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked, smile still present as she emptied the dustpan into the waste basket.

"Come on. We both know you wouldn't handle my share of the chores on a whim," Spike said with a short chuckle as he picked up his sandwich again. "Something good must have happened, so what was it?"

"Like you don't know..." Twilight said, unable to suppress another giggle.

She hurried back to the supply closet as Spike took another bite. As she turned back to him, though, Twilight paused for a second. Spike's eyes were turned upward, like he was thinking very hard as he chewed.

"Oh come on, Spike," Twilight encouraged as she walked up to his side. "You know what I'm talking about!"

Her heart skipped a beat as Spike just looked back at her and shrugged.

"The ticket to the Gala, silly!" Twilight said, throwing her claws in the air.

That had an effect. Though not quite the one Twilight expected. Spike's eyes suddenly bulged, a strange sound coming from his throat. Like he was trying to yelp, cough, and swallow all at once. Twilight jumped back to her feet, already halfway turned to race to the kitchen and fetch a glass of water, when a heavy gulp sounded as the stallion finally swallowed.

"You—" Spike's voice was ragged as he coughed, though Twilight could see a smile trying to force its way onto his face. "Y-you already heard about the tickets?"

"Yeah! Dinky was here talking about how Ditzy Doo got hers and—" Twilight stopped as realization suddenly hit, one claw flying to her mouth. "Oh! And it was supposed to be a surprise, wasn't it?"

"Uh... yeah," Spike said, his voice still a bit raspy as he rubbed at his throat.

Twilight's worry for the unicorn faded somewhat as his horn began to glow. She bit down on her lip as an envelope addressed with gold writing floated from his saddlebags, setting down onto the table before her.

"Suprise?" Spike added.

Twilight was barely paying any attention to him anymore. Her claw darted out, lifting the already open flap of the envelope and pulling out the glittering bit of parchment within.

Mister Spike Flail, plus one guest,

You are cordially invited to attend

The Grand Galloping Gala

Twilight couldn't read any further as her own cheer echoed throughout the library. Fireworks were exploding all around her as she jumped for joy. Even the golden ticket clenched in her claw was sparking with gleeful energy.

"You... you're really excited about this, huh?" Spike asked from somewhere below her.

Twilight stopped her cheering as she noticed those fireworks were all green. A familiar tingle covering her body indicated Spike's magic was holding her up. With one clawed foot hovering just an inch above his sandwich.

"Ah heh heh heh..." Twilight cleared her throat, trying and failing to stop smiling so hard. "Is it obvious?"

"Just a little," Spike said slowly as he gently set her down on the cushion next to her. "It's, uh, sorta funny actually! I... didn't really think big parties were, you know, your thing."

"It's not just any party, Spike!" Twilight said, one claw eagerly tracing over the words embossed upon the ticket. "It's the Grand Galloping Gala! Oooh, when I just think about all the stuff Major Scoop used to report on..."

It wasn't the eager shudder running up her spine that made Twilight trail off. The silence was what caught her attention. Tearing her eyes from the ticket, she looked up to see Spike chewing on one of his forehooves. Though he saw her looking and quickly put it back on the floor, she couldn't help notice the way his eyes darted away from hers, nor the fine bead of sweat on his forehead.

"Uh, Spike?" she asked, putting the ticket back on the table. "Are you okay?"

"Sure, of course I'm okay! I was just... thinking!" Spike was speaking just a little too quickly. Twilight crossed her arms, one clawed foot tapping as his muzzle flapped opened and shut for a few seconds. "I mean... and it's nothing personal-but you'll be the only dragon there and... well I know you hate being the center of attention..."

Twilight ceased her foot tapping. She shook her head, trying to force back the image that had come to mind. One of a group of foals crowding her basket while a certain, blue filly ordered her to do tricks—

"Spike, it's the Gala! Not a Kindergarten show-and-tell, and..." Twilight stopped, looking back to Spike. Her imagination suddenly mattered much less as her eyes narrowed on the very strained smile he was giving her. "Alright, what's wrong?"

"Wrong? Why would anything—" Spike stopped his rambling as Twilight raised one scaly eyebrow at him. "Uh... well, there might be a little problem..."

Spike's eyes darted to the ticket. Even as Twilight tried to keep a probing glare on the stallion, a sudden sense of foreboding struck. She did her best to ignore the sudden rock in her stomach, something made harder as Spike's smile slipped away.

"So, it happened when Ditzy caught me while I was eating lunch..." he began.

Mister Spike Flail, plus one guest,

You are cordially invited to attend

The Grand Galloping Gala

That was the furthest Spike got, despite it being the fifth time he'd read over the ticket. Silently, he mouthed the words to himself one last time before setting the sparkling invitation back on the table.

"The Grand Galloping...The Grand Galloping Gala?" he said, still unable to believe what he'd just read. "And they want me there? Seriously?!"

"Not just you!" came an excited, bubbly voice from across the table. "I got one too! And so did Big Mac and Thunder-mpph!"

Spike was making shushing motions to the gray pegasus sitting across from him. Ditzy Doo didn't seem to mind as she started happily munching on the muffin he'd shoved into her mouth. Quickly, Spike glanced about the cafe patio, allowing himself a sigh of relief as he confirmed all the other diners were still indoors.

"Isn't this exciting?!" Ditzy's voice suddenly broke in again, after a particularly loud swallow of muffin. "We all got invitations!"

"Ditzy!" Spike winced, drawing in a deep breath before continuing. "Yeah, it's great, but can you please keep your voice down?"

The postmare tilted her head in confusion. Spike tried not to laugh as one of her yellow eyes drifted sideways. Though the sight did relax him, slightly.

"Okay..." the Element of Laughter finally whispered, flipping a bit of her blond mane back. "But how come? I mean, everypony loves The Gala!"

"I'll bet. Can you imagine what'll happen if the rest of the town finds out we got invited?" Spike asked, tucking the ticket back into its envelope. "We'd get mobbed by ponies that want to come with us! I'd rather make it home in one piece today, thanks."

"Hey, speaking of, who's your guest gonna be?" Ditzy asked.

Spike stopped, the envelope halfway to his saddlebags. Warily, he opened it up again, looking at the ticket as the gray mare's voice started to rattle in the background.

" 'Cuz I'd really hate for anypony to feel left out, buuuuut I already know who I'm bringing!!"

The ticket seemed to shimmer a bit, reflecting his own purple face. Off in the distance, over his shoulder, he could see the towering branches of the Golden Oaks Library.

"I'm gonna bring my little Dinky! Ooooh, I can't wait till she gets home from school so I can tell her!"

"Yeah... Yeah, I'll bet she'll love that," Spike said, just as much to himself as Ditzy Doo while a smile crossed his face.

"I know!" Ditzy continued to gush. "She's gonna be so excited when she finds out she gets to go to the Grand Galloping Gala!"

Spike just nodded and smiled in agreement as he closed the envelope again. He could already picture the moment. The look on her face as he presented the ticket and the good news about—

"The Grand Galloping Gala?!"

Spike's planning cut out at the sound of the new voice. He whirled around, hooves already poised to begin running from the mob of ponies no doubt about to descend on him. He froze, however, before he could even move a single step. There was only one pony there, rather than a mob, but the sight of her rooted his legs to the ground.

"Hi Rarity!" Ditzy Doo cheerfully called out, seemingly oblivious to Spike's sudden paralysis.

The mailmare's voice confirmed what Spike's eyes were already trying to convince him of. That the unicorn mare walking towards their table, framed by a cloud of glittering hearts, was indeed Rarity. The sun sparkling off her ivory coat as she flipped a curl of her rich, purple mane behind one ear. Her blue eyes were smiling as they turned to him.

"Oh! I do apologize, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. But..." Rarity was speaking again her voice dropping to a hush as she leaned in closer. "Did I hear that correctly, Mister Flail? Do you really have tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala?"

Spike just smiled. Try as he might, he couldn't picture a moment more perfect. Rarity swooning as he opened the envelope, himself catching her in his forehooves as their eyes locked—

"You bet we did!" Ditzy Doo suddenly piped up. Spike's imagination crumbled as she slung a hoof over his shoulders while eagerly waving her own ticket with one wing. "Isn't it amazing?! I've never been invited to a party in Canterlot before, especially not the Gala and—"

"Ditzy..." Spike grumbled, rather impressively with how hard his hoof was pressed against his face.

The pegasus stopped talking, and blushed a bit. Spike suppressed a groan as the last of his perfect moment slipped from his mind. Rarity, at the very least, was still smiling at the both of them. Even if she had taken a step back from Ditzy's enthusiastic chatter.

"Yes, well, congratulations on your good fortune! To the both of you!" Rarity said, sliding a bit closer again. "Not that it's surprising, of course. Heroes such as yourselves deserve to be rewarded, after all."

Spike melted as a perfectly polished hoof gently stroked the underside of his chin. The cloud of hearts had returned as Rarity pulled away. This time they brought symphonies to accompany her as she spoke.

"Of course you'll be needing a dress for the occasion, won't you?" Rarity asked.

"Uh-huh..." Spike muttered with a slow nod of his head.

His heart immediately stopped, the fuzzy clouds vanishing from his vision as he realized what he'd just said. One hoof covered his mouth just a second too late. Spike could feel his cheeks burning as Rarity started giggling.

"Well, I was making the offer to Miss Doo." Rarity rubbed her chin, her eyes wandering over the stallion. "Though I suppose with the right cut you wouldn't look half-bad yourself!"

"That's not-I mean—" Spike nearly bit his tongue, and was fairly certain his cheeks were glowing with how hard he blushed. "Oh geeze..."

Ditzy Doo joined in the laughter this time. Spike's magic sparked, tugging his hat over his eyes, praying that he'd just vanish into the old fedora.

"Well, you'll be happy to know I design ensembles for the Gala every year," Rarity went on, clearing her throat a bit. "Oh, and Spike? I design suits for stallions, too. If that's more your cup of tea."

"YES!" Spike caught himself, along with his hat as it flipped back into the air. He did his best to force on a smile as he saw Rarity's shoulders shake with a silent chuckle. "Yes, that sounds great! Thank you, Miss Rarity..."

"Yeah, thanks!" Ditzy Doo thankfully bounced back into the conversation. Spike quickly clamped down on his tongue before it could do anymore damage. "Oooh, are you gonna be there too?! You're gonna go, right? I bet you love seeing all the dresses you made and the ponies having fun in them and..."

Ditzy's excited rambling quickly trailed off. Likely because she'd noticed the sad little smile Rarity had.

"It does sound lovely..." Rarity said with a wistful sigh. "Unfortunately I doubt I'll be attending this year."

"What?!" Ditzy's wings flared out in shock, narrowly catching Spike in the face. "Why not?!"

Spike carefully nudged Ditzy's wing back down, and his breath caught in his throat. Rarity had taken one of the napkins from their table, and was gently dabbing at the corners of her eyes with it.

"It's not that I wouldn't love to attend. Oh, I've dreamed of going since I was a filly!" Rarity explained between dainty sniffles. "Regrettably I never seem to warrant an invitation myself..."

Those blue eyes locked right onto him, and Spike froze up. Even with her best attempts to keep them dry, he could still see the tears glistening. His heart was thundering in his ears, but it did nothing to drown out the saddened mare's next words.

"I'd often hoped for a handsome prince to come and... whisk me away to that fabulous evening..." She let out one final sigh, as she started to turn away. "But I suppose that's just a silly dream..."

Rarity didn't even have time to take a single step, before Spike's mouth flew open.

"S-so... you already said... that you'd take Rarity..."

Spike didn't have to lift his head to see Twilight's face. He forced himself to anyway, immediately flinching at the sight. The huge smile she'd greeted him with was long gone, replaced with a quivering lower lip and eyes locked on her fidgeting claws.

"I'm so sorry, Twi!" Spike said as he glanced to the ticket sitting next to him. Suddenly he was wishing he'd never laid eyes on it. "Honestly, you were the first one I was gonna ask—"

"But then Rarity showed up," Twilight finished for him.

He wasn't sure which stung more. The saddened look Twilight gave him, or the utter lack of surprise in her voice.

"It's not like-She was right there—" Spike flinched as he nearly bit his tongue. "It would have been rude to tell her no..."

His rambling stopped as Twilight just let out a heavy sigh. Her scaly tail dragged on the floor behind her as she turned around and started plodding away. She didn't seem to notice as he reached one hoof after her. She just started climbing the stairs to their loft without so much as a look back.

Way to go, Spike.

Letting out a low groan, Spike looked down at the table. His half-eaten sandwich still sat there, now looking far less appetizing. Next to it was the ticket, glittering slightly in the light from the window and the glow of his own magic as he gently lifted it up.

Spike drew in a deep breath as he looked at his own fuzzy reflection in the golden surface. It was the only thing he could think to do to prepare as he got back to his hooves.

"Alright," he said, turning back towards the front door. "I'm gonna fix this."

Twilight's footsteps came to a sudden stop.

"Huh?" Twilight asked from behind him.

Spike didn't answer right away. He forced his hooves to start marching towards the exit. Something in his head was screaming. Images of Rarity kept floating through his mind. The beautiful unicorn smiling at him, laughing, leaning closer for a kiss...

All of which he pushed aside as he reached the door.

"I'll go talk to Rarity and..." Spike inhaled sharply. It was hard to say the words, even if he knew it was right. "I'll just... tell her I can't take her to the Gala."

Silence filled the library. For a brief second, even Spike couldn't believe what he'd just said.

"Wait, wha—" Twilight's claws were scrambling back down the stairs. "S-seriously?!"

Spike's breath wooshed out in one long sigh as he slowly nodded his head. The part that had been trying to hold him back fell silent, the heart-bordered pictures of Rarity vanishing along with it. He still couldn't help the small, disappointed whimper that escaped as his magic gripped the door.

It only just started to open when a purple claw suddenly pressed against it. He blinked a few times before looking down at the dragon holding the door shut.

"Twilight?" he asked, raising one eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

"Well... Y-yeah, I want to go to the Gala," Twilight said, her eyes glued firmly on the floor. "But, I don't want you to have to disappoint somepony else for my sake..."

Inside, something was starting to cheer. Spike beat it back down, shaking his head before more Rarity could pop into sight. He forced himself to breathe in, to focus his attention on his assistant and oldest friend.

"Twi, it's okay. I messed up here," Spike said, a bit louder than he had to in an attempt to drown out the part of his mind that was still protesting. "I should have told Rarity I already planned to invite you—"

"And you forgot because of your crush on her," Twilight said.

"Right, so—"

Spike's eyes flew wide open as his voice choked out. He just stared at Twilight as she finally lifted her head again. A coy little smile was on her face as she crossed her arms.

"How... How did you—" he started to ask.

"Number. One. Assistant." Twilight was still smiling as she ticked each word off on her claws. "Remember?"

The little dragon giggled a bit. Spike barely got out a half-hearted chuckle of his own. It was all he could manage with his face trying to burst into flames. His blushing and nervous laughter both stopped as Twilight took one of his forehooves in her claws.

"Spike, it's okay. Really! I'm not mad or anything," she said as she patted his hoof. "It's your ticket, so you should invite whoever you want."

"But—" His protest was cut off as one of those claws suddenly pressed over his muzzle.

"No buts, mister," Twilight said, emphasizing her point by pressing down a bit harder. "You have my blessing, alright? Go ahead and take Rarity on the date of her dreams."

Spike pulled his hoof back as Twilight withdrew her claws. He looked down at it for a second, wondering if he'd imagined her grip tightening and the momentary look of regret...

"Well... I guess if you're sure," he said, stepping away from the door.

"I'm sure," Twilight said, crossing her arms.

She let out a short gasp as a green glow surrounded her. Spike didn't give her the chance to escape though, pulling Twilight into his forelegs with his magic. She burst into giggles as he gave her a tight squeeze, accompanied with a gentle noogie.

"What'd I ever do to deserve a friend like you, Twi?" he asked as he reluctantly released her.

"Oh, stop it." Try as she might, Twilight couldn't hide the blush. Not even as she made a shooing motion with one claw. "Now, shouldn't you get to writing today's report? Ink Blot will blow a gasket if you miss the deadline!"

Spike's smile dropped away as he looked to the clock. His eyes went wide upon noticing that they pointed much further past four-o'clock than he'd expected.

"Oh crud, you're right!" Spike jumped to his hooves, magic grabbing his saddlebags and the notes they contained along with the remains of his sandwich. "I'd better get writing! Thanks again, Twi!"

Twilight just waved as the unicorn dashed off without so much as a look back. She kept up her smile as he thundered up the stairs to the loft.

When the hoofsteps finally stopped, indicating he'd reached his writing desk, that was when Twilight finally let her face fall again.

"Well... you did the nice thing Twilight," she muttered to herself as she plodded to one of the reading cushions.

So why don't I feel good about it?

Twilight could only answer herself with a groan as she slumped face first into the pillow. She could feel the fabric give a little as her claws tightened on its edges.

"I want Spike to be happy, but I want to go too—" Her sharp fangs clenched as she flipped onto her back. The new position did nothing to help her frustration. Neither did kicking at the cushion with her clawed feet. "Argh! Come on, Twilight! Try thinking of... something else..."

On instinct, one claw shot out to the nearest shelf. Twilight didn't even care which book she grabbed. Her claw was already on the spine, ready to pull it out, when she noticed a glimmer of gold on the back of her paw. Twilight paused for a moment before slowly looking over her shoulder.

Something glinted from the table, reflecting a small patch of golden light towards her. Before she could stop herself, she was already walking towards the source. She let out another groan upon finding the Gala ticket, still half-hanging from its envelope.

"Right. You," Twilight grumbled as she picked up the invitation. With a long sigh, she started towards the back of the room. "Guess I'd better take care of the RSVP..."

At least Spike will have a good time.

The thought did nothing to improve Twilight's mood. She was sure she was gripping the ticket a little harder than she had to.

So will Dinky...

Her footsteps slowed as the excitable filly's smiling face popped into her mind.

And Ditzy Doo...

"And Time Turner, and Thunderlane and—Oh my gosh!" Twilight's claw flew to her mouth. "That's it!"

All her anger and regret vanished in an instant. Faster than she ever had before, Twilight scrambled to one of the writing desks. Her vision turned to a blur of parchment and feathers as she gathered up a quill, ink, and blank scroll. With trembling claw, she wrote out four names.

Time Turner

Thunderlane

Big Macintosh

Cheerilee

"All of them would have gotten tickets! That means each of them can bring a guest too!" Twilight realized as she scooped up the list with a huge grin on her face. "And they're all friends, so I'd bet they'd love to bring me along! Then I can go, and Spike can bring Rarity without feeling guilty!"

The library suddenly seemed brighter, the birdsong outside the windows more cheerful, as Twilight spun on her heel. With a spring in her step, she was racing towards the front door. She was pretty sure several of those singing birds went flying away as she burst outside with one final cheer.

"Twilight, you're a genius!"

Chapter 2

Ever since she'd first seen it, Twilight had taken a liking to Ponyville's Town Hall. Seeing the lone wooden building rising high above its neighbors never failed to remind her of the spires of Canterlot Castle. A comforting sight whenever she missed seeing the ivory towers outside her window.

Even so, she never recalled feeling so giddy around the building. Certainly not to the point where she was practically bouncing down its halls. She couldn't exactly help it, however. Her entire body felt as light as a feather as she raced down the carpeted floor, sliding to a stop as her destination came into sight. A lone corner office, with its owner's name etched onto the window.

"Al-alright," Twilight put one paw against the stitch in her side as she tried to catch her breath. "I made it..."

The young dragoness leaned against the wall to steady herself. As she looked back up to the door, she could feel her heart flutter for a moment. Her claws tightened on the rolled list she carried as she drew in a deep breath. Followed by another as her palms began to sweat and the floor started to tilt beneath her...

"Eeeeasy there, Twilight," she coached herself, placing one surprisingly clammy paw to her forehead. "Deep breaths, calm down."

Even as she tried to follow her own advice, her eyes wandered back up to the door. The anxious, light-headed feeling returned as she read the name again.

"It's not like Time Turner would say no, right?" Twilight reminded herself as she took a tentative step closer. "I mean he's kind… selfless... probably the only pony who cares more about keeping a proper schedule than me..."

He saved my life...

Twilight's cheeks flushed at the thought. Still, she couldn't deny the truth of it. The memory of plunging towards raging rapids, supplanted by the tan earth stallion's face. The warmth of his strong forelegs wrapped around her, a feeling of safety as she clung tightly to him. Suddenly she felt more like she was flying—

WHUMP

Twilight let out a yelp of surprise as she was brought crashing back to earth. Literally, as something collided with her and knocked her onto her scaly rear.

"Ow..." she groaned, rubbing at her sore backside.

"Dear me, my apologies!" The dragon's eyes went wide, her pain vanishing as a familiar voice spoke up. "I should have been watching where I was going..."

The voice trailed off as a light brown hoof reached out to her. Twilight was barely looking at the limb, her attention instead on the earth stallion attached to it. One with a darker brown mane, a stack of papers and clipboard balanced on his back, and a look of pleasant surprise his blue eyes.

"Well well, Twilight!" Time Turner said as his face split into a smile. "What brings you here?"

"Oh! Uh, I was j-just in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by?" Twilight was doing her best not to blush as she scrambled back to her feet. Suddenly, her eagerness to see the pony before her was replaced with a desire to find something to hide her face behind. "B-but you look like you're busy, so I'll just—"

A short chuckle accompanied by the opening of a door cut her off. Time Turner was still smiling as he tucked a key back into the collar his necktie hung from.

"Nonsense, Miss Twilight. I always have some time to spare for a friend," he said as he trotted inside. "Please, come in! I just need a moment to get these organized."

Twilight hesitated for an instant before realizing what she'd just heard. She could do nothing to suppress her tiny squeal of excitement, a smile of her own breaking out as she followed the stallion.

Time Turner was already at his desk as she eased the door shut, his clipboard in one hoof, already setting the papers he’d been carrying into neatly organized piles. All with the same care and precision that Twilight could tell he’d applied to the rest of the office. From the perfectly leveled photographs hanging from the wall to the rug lying in the exact center of the floor; Even the wall clock was perfectly synchronized with the town's clock tower, visible outside the lone window.

"You've really taken a liking to your new office, huh?" Twilight commented as she hopped into the chair across the desk from Time Turner.

"Oh, it's nothing more than a workspace, Twilight," Time Turner answered with a light chuckle. "Not that having one of my own isn't a rather nice feeling..."

Twilight let out a giggle of her own, finally feeling herself relax a bit. The tan stallion was sorting the last of the papers, and she couldn't help leaning a bit closer. It was almost mesmerizing, the quick practiced movements of his hooves as each form found its proper pile, and the smile he had on his face as he set the last one down...

"Funnily enough, I was about to say the same about you and the library," Time Turner commented.

"Huh?" Twilight blinked and shook her head again. It had taken her a second to realize the stallion had turned his attention back to her.

"I've had so many ponies around, talking about how much easier it’s been to find the books they’re looking for since you moved into the Golden Oaks," Time Turner said, as he trotted from behind the desk. "Seems you're quite the budding young librarian!"

"Oh!" Twilight felt a fang dig into her lip as she struggled to find her voice again. "Well... I mean, Spike helps out a lot!"

"Modesty becomes you, Twilight, but no reason to sell yourself short," Time Turner said with a wave of his hoof. "From what Spike has told me, you could run that place on your own!"

Twilight couldn't stop the proud smile crawling up her face. Neither could she prevent the blush that followed as Time Turner's hoof gently patted her on the head. It was only the small rip sound from the list she was twisting in her claws that kept her grounded in her chair.

"Well... I mean gosh, that's so nice of you to say..." Twilight glanced down to the parchment, drawing in a deep breath as she remembered just why she had left her library. "But, uh, actually, I wanted to talk more about how your day was going?"

She held her breath as Time Turner pulled his leg back. For a second she could feel her heart stop as she wondered if she'd said something wrong. Time Turner was, after all, staring at her in surprise as he drew his hoof to his chest.

"Well, I'll admit I'm flattered." Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as her host smiled again and gestured to his stacks of papers. "I'm afraid things haven't been very interesting around here, though. Unless you enjoy reviewing tax forms, that is."

A giddy grin spread across Twilight's face. It vanished immediately as she gave herself a mental rap to the head.

Focus

"Are you sure? No... big announcements or anything?" Twilight was holding her breath as she squeezed out her last question. "Maybe something like an invitation?"

She knew she'd hit home as Time Turner froze in place. A sly grin moved across his muzzle as he trotted back to the other side of the desk.

"Ahhh, I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that you've heard," he admitted, flashing her a wink as he picked up his clipboard again. "Already received today's mail, have you?"

Twilight nodded furiously as he turned the clipboard to face her. She froze up, her tail almost spearing through the back of her seat, when she saw the glittering golden ticket Time Turner had revealed.

"Well, that's serendipity for you isn't it? Who'd have guessed a couple of secretaries like us would ever have the honor of attending the Grand Galloping Gala?" Time Turner's happy laugh barely reached Twilight, her ear fins drooping slightly as he spun the clipboard back around. "You know, if you need help picking an outfit, I'd recommend scheduling an appointment at Carousel Boutique. Miss Rarity—"

"Um, about... you know, me going to the Gala, actually..." Twilight lifted one claw as she interrupted and clearing her throat. "There's kind of an... issue, with Spike's ticket."

Time Turner went silent. Twilight squirmed in her chair a bit, suddenly uncomfortable under the worried look the bureaucrat was giving her. She was biting down on her lip again, trying to recall just how she'd meant to explain things.

"It-it’s not like he didn't get one, of course!" Twilight cast her eyes down, forcing herself to speak more slowly even as the words tried to rattle their way out. "He did, he just... he already promised his, uh, 'Plus One' position to… somepony else."

"Really now?" She didn’t have to look up to see the shock on Time Turner’s face. The clipboard clattering back to the desk only emphasized it. "I thought the two of you were practically inseparable... who did he invite? If you don't mind me asking, of course."

"It was—"

Twilight stopped herself before she could say anymore. Suddenly, she was aware of how hard her insides were boiling, and she could hear a worrying scratching sound near her paws. As her claws tensed further, tiny splinters flaked from the armrests that her claws were digging into. The young dragoness let out a long sigh, forcing her paws back to her lap before they could do any further damage.

"It doesn't matter... N-not that I’m mad or anything!” Twilight’s claws worried at the parchment again, wondering just who she was trying to convince. “Spike was really sorry, but it is his ticket so I told him he should use it for whoever he wants and—”

A tan hoof cupping under Twilight’s chin silenced her. It gently lifted her head, until she found herself looking up to Time Turner and wondering when he'd gotten next to her. Both the question and the other ramblings running through her head faded as he gave her a smile, causing her heart to skip a beat again.

"Well, that's very mature of you Miss Twilight." He was talking to her. Even nodding in approval. Twilight's paws flew to her cheeks as the hoof withdrew, trying to cover her blush.

"Awww, well... I mean... thanks!" Twilight cleared her throat. Her huge smile was making it hard to concentrate, but her eyes still wandered back to the clipboard and the invitation she knew it held. "But actually, that kinda brings me to why I was, uh, in the neighborhood."

Time Turner tilted his head, quizzically. Twilight took a deep breath, struggling to steady her nerves as she held up her list.

"Well, Spike got a ticket so I knew that you-and Thunderlane and Big Mac and Cheerilee! Town Hall was just closer to the library and I knew you'd be here so—" Her entire face burned as she faked a cough, giving herself a chance to start again. "I knew you guys must have all been invited too, so I thought I'd see if any of you were still looking for a guest to bring along! Then Spike wouldn't need to feel so..."

Bad

The word that would have finished her sentence was also the only one that could describe the look Time Turner was giving her. A deep frown, coupled with quite a bit of worry in those blue eyes. The sort of expression that told Twilight what his answer was before he could even speak.

"Ah... well, it's not that I wouldn’t want to bring you along, you understand!" Time Turner explained, taking a step away and busying himself with some of the papers on his desk. "But... well, you see—"

"You're already bringing somepony," Twilight guessed.

The resigned sigh he gave cut straight into the little dragon's stomach.

"I'm truly sorry, Twilight," Time Turner said as he put a hoof on her shoulder. "If I’d known about this sooner then perhaps I could have helped."

"That's... that's okay." Twilight could feel the knot in her stomach trying to convince her that it wasn't. She quickly forced on a smile and looked back up at the earth pony. "So, who's the lucky—"

Clack, clack, clack

A sharp knock on the door cut Twilight off. It swung open before either she or Time Turner could say anything, and bespectacled beige mare with a gray mane trotted inside.

"Time Turner, are you nearly done with those forms?" She asked, not looking up from the notepad she carried. "We still need to schedule a fitting at Carousel Boutique for our Gala outfits, not to mention preparing for the ponies that will be there and—"

"Ahem, Mayor Mare..." Time Turner cleared his throat. Out of the corner of her eye, Twilight could see him jerking his head towards her.

The dragoness didn't say anything in response, however. In fact, she suddenly wasn't even certain if she was in the same room as the two earth ponies. Seeing as the elected Mayor of Ponyville was looking straight at her, however, she didn't chance it. Her jaw snapped shut before anypony could ask why it was resting in her lap.

"Oh! I'm very sorry," Mayor Mare said as she adjusted her glasses. "I didn't realize you were with somepony. Is everything alright?"

"Uh huh..." Twilight heard herself answer as she numbly nodded her head.

"Miss Twilight and I were just talking about the Gala ourselves," Time Turner explained, quickly moving to the mare's side and beginning to usher her back through the door. "I promise, we'll be finished very soon and then we can worry about seeing Miss Rarity."

"Ah, yes. Very good." The Lady Mayor was smiling as she turned around. Though she did glance back over her shoulder to the purple reptile. "Oh, perhaps we'll see each other during a dress fitting then, Twilight? I'll look forward to it!"

Twilight didn't have a chance to correct her. Not that she could even think to do so. The door was already closed, but still she was staring at it. Her brain slowly processing the conversation that had just happened.

"So... you... and Mayor Mare?" Twilight finally asked, turning her gaze to Time Turner.

The stallion cleared his throat as he hurried back to his desk. Not fast enough, however. Twilight could see his cheeks flushing around a grimace as he picked up a stack of papers.

"I assure you, it's not what you're thinking. Bringing Mayor Mare is purely political." Time Turner explained, taking a seat behind his desk. "After all, the Gala is one of the largest gatherings of dignitaries and nobility from around Equestria!"

Twilight's breathing eased slightly as she heard that. Enough for her to notice the stars in Time Turner's eyes as he produced a manila folder from his desk drawer. He barely seemed to be paying it any attention as he began to stuff the paperwork from his desk into it.

"All those important figures gathered in one place... It's an amazing chance to do some networking on behalf of Ponyville!" Time Turner shook his head, giving Twilight a slightly sheepish smile as he cleared his throat. "And once I realized that, well, inviting the town's highest ranking official to come along just makes sense doesn't it?"

Twilight didn't answer right away. One paw pressed over her scaly chest as she felt her heartbeat resume. Even knowing what it meant about Time Turner's ticket, somehow she felt an indescribable sense of relief flowing through her.

"Yeah... Yeah, of course I understand. That's actually really brilliant!" She barely needed to force the smile anymore. Even as her eyes lingered a bit on the clipboard. "I really hope that works out for you two!"

"Thank you for saying so," Time Turner said. "But if there is anyway I can help—"

"Help?" Twilight had to stop and think for a moment before recalling the list she still held. "Oh! Don't worry about it! I'm sure one of the others still has an opening."

The relief on the stallion's face was obvious as he trotted back towards the door. Twilight hopped down from her chair, plodding after him as he opened it for her once again.

"Well I wish you all the luck in the world then," Time Turner said as she walked back out into the hall. "Oh, and Twilight?"

"Yes?" the she asked, glancing back.

Twilight's heart fluttered one last time as she saw the smile he was giving her.

"Don't feel like you need an excuse to visit," he invited. "Come by whenever you'd like. Perhaps we can chat over tea next time."

"Really?!" Twilight cleared her throat, trying to bring her voice back to its normal pitch. "I mean, yeah that sounds great!"

"Then I'll look forward to it," Time Turner said as he slowly closed the door. "Have a nice day!"

Click

"Yeah... you too," Twilight said, waving a bit at the shut office.

She was practically floating as she started down the hall again. Somehow, even without a Gala ticket, she didn't feel like she'd failed.

Time Turner

Thunderlane

Big Macintosh

Cheerilee

"Okay, so... that didn't go as well as I'd have hoped," Twilight muttered to herself.

Her good feelings, unfortunately, hadn't carried her very far. The young dragon had only just started down the road out of Town Square when the realization struck again. That despite two ponies admitting they would have taken her, she was still without a Gala ticket.

Still, she managed to smile as she looked over the three remaining names on her list.

"It'll be fine, Twilight," she assured herself as she ran a claw down the parchment. "One of the others has to be looking for a guest still."

She firmly ignored the small pang of doubt in her gut. Her feet kept moving, barely noticing the transition from dirt road to soft grass beneath them. All of Twilight's attention was on her claw as she moved it up and down the parchment.

"Hmm..." Twilight brow furrowed in thought. "But who to ask next?"

Clunk

For the second time that day, Twilight found herself falling onto her bottom. This time rubbing at a sore spot on her forehead as she winced in pain and looked up at the tree she’d just walked into.

I need to pay more attention—

"OH WHAT NOW?!?"

Twilight didn't have the chance to worry about her headache as a voice exploded from above. Even the green fields of Ponyville Park seemed to tremble in fear as she stared up at the apparently furious tree. Its branches shook as a wild storm cloud burst from the leaves, letting out another thunderous roar.

"Seriously! I have had enough of... uh..." The “roar” slowly trailed off into an uneasy silence. Warily, Twilight uncovered her ear fins. Just in time for a much calmer voice to clear its throat, "Wait. Twilight?"

With her heartbeat returning to normal, Twilight risked another look up. Now that it wasn't shouting or flaring its wings, she could see that what she'd thought was a storm cloud was actually a dark-coated pegasus pony. One who was trying to catch his breath as he stared down at her with orange eyes.

"Thunderlane?" Twilight squeaked out, carefully getting back to her feet. "Wha-what was—"

“Oh great… I’m sorry, Twi!” Thunderlane was rubbing his head, not seeming to notice that he'd just interrupted the baby dragon. "Really, I just... I... ugh..."

Twilight scooped up her list once more, doing her best not to think of how many times she'd been apologized to that day.

"Having a bad day?" she guessed.

Thunderlane let out a low grunt, and just nodded his head.

Twilight’s lips pursed together as she waited for the stallion to continue, but he remained silent. Slowly, her eyes wandered, falling back to her list once again. A small, hopeful smile appeared as she recalled just whose name had been next on it, and she looked back up to the pegasus.

"Well, here’s some news that should cheer you up!" she said, waving the scroll up at Thunderlane. "Because you're never gonna believe who got invited to the Grand Galloping Gal-AACK!"

Her question cut out in a scream as a dark blur descended on her. Before she could react, Thunderlane had scooped her into the air and deposited her on one of the tree's leafier branches. Twilight's claws instinctively dug into the bark as the pegasus landed next to her, his silver-blue mohawk bouncing slightly as he wiped his forehead.

"I-huh-wha..." Twilight swallowed hard as she noticed just how much further away the ground suddenly was. There was only one question she could manage to get out as she tightened her grip on the branch. "Why?"

“Sorry again! I just… don’t want anypony else to hear that,” Thunderlane explained, his eyes scanning the park and relaxing only slightly as they found nopony else. “Sheesh, I don’t even want to think about the Graa… that party.”

Twilight just nodded slowly before Thunderlane's words truly registered. Easing her grip slightly, she managed to pull herself up straight and properly face the pegasus. It wasn't hard to notice just how ruffled his feathered wings were, nor the agitated way they twitched as he tried to smooth them out.

"What’s wrong? Did something happen to your Ga—" Twilight stopped herself from saying the word as Thunderlane's wings flared again. "To your… invitation?"

Thunderlane just groaned again, this time covering his face with one wing. For a second, Twilight forgot all about where she was as the weather pony threatened to go silent again.

“I got my ticket this morning. Ditzy Doo stopped by the weather offices to bring it to me,” Thunderlane grumbled through his feathers. “And it has brought me nothing but trouble since then!”

Twilight knew she shouldn’t have smiled at that. She didn’t really want to smile at that. But for some reason, she could feel a smirk form on her face. An opportunity had presented itself, and some part of her was ready to dive right at it. Crawling a few inches, she managed to get herself firmly seated on the branch and gently pushed Thunderlane’s wing aside.

“Hey, I’m sure it’s not all that bad,” she said, flashing him the warmest smile she could. “Maybe you’d feel a little better if you talk about it? I’m right here, after all.”

"I... Maybe? I dunno. Not that I don't appreciate the offer." Thunderlane let out a heavy sigh, and Twilight did her best not to tighten her grip on his wing. "But I blew up once already now, and you probably don't want to just sit through me ranting..."

"Aww, come on! Friends listen to each other, right?" Twilight followed the stallion's gaze down, doing her best to keep smiling as she suddenly recalled just how high she was. "Besides, it's not like I'm going anywhere right now."

Thunderlane let out a short chuckle at that. Twilight managed to join in as his wings finally folded back against his sides.

"Alright, if you’re gonna insist," Thunderlane said as he shook his head. "But don't say I didn't try to warn you."

"Don't even worry about that," Twilight said eagerly. "I'm all ears."

Especially since it sounds like getting a ticket just got a lot easier.

Chapter 3

Thunderlane had never been so happy to take his lunch break.

Off in the distance, a single chime sounded from the clock tower. Punctuating it was a loud growl from the stallion's stomach. Both that and the burning feeling in his wing joints served as harsh reminders of how long he’d been working since breakfast.

Still, he didn't let himself relax. His eyes darted back and forth as he circled one last time.

Well, it looks all clear...

A few strands of his forelock fell over his face as he nodded. No sign of anypony, either on the ground or in the sky. Breathing a sigh of relief, Thunderlane angled his wings down into a gentle descent. With a final, practiced back-flap, he came to a landing on a small patch of clouds and set the brown paper bag holding his lunch down in front of him.

"Finally," he muttered as he began to open the package. "A little peace and—"

"Hiya, Thunderlane!"

The stallion's eye involuntarily twitched. Slowly, all while trying not to grind his teeth too loudly, he looked up. Somehow, a lone cloud had drifted over his lunch spot. Much to his displeasure, a familiar, light-purple pegasus mare was smiling down at him from it. One whose normally messy white mane had been hurriedly brushed down, leaving several strands sticking up around her ears.

"Hello Cloud Chaser," Thunderlane grumbled, stubbornly looking back down at his lunch.

"Wow! Fancy running into you here!" A soft whump indicated his fellow weather pony landing next to him. Thunderlane did his best not to groan in response. "What were the chances, huh?"

"Yeah. Big coincidence, I'm sure." Thunderlane knew he was doing a poor job of keeping the growl out of his voice. Warily, he looked over to the mare.

Almost immediately, he wished he hadn't. Just as he'd feared, she had the same sort of smile he normally only saw on Rumble. The sort the colt wore right before he tore into his Hearth’s Warming presents.

"Soooo, what're you up to?" Cloud Chaser asked, her voice dripping with sweetness.

"I was about to have lunch," Thunderlane answered, closing the bag as his appetite waned. "Look, can we just get to what you want?"

Cloud Chaser giggled at that. Thunderlane flattened his ears, trying not think about how much he'd come to dislike that sound. His wings flicked out as he glanced over his shoulder, wondering just how quickly he could get to the other side of town.

"What, do I need to have a reason to want to talk?" Cloud Chaser's hoof fell across his withers, cutting off his escape before he could even take the first flap. "We're friends, aren't we? I just wanted to see how you were doing!"

"And the fact I got invited to the Grand Galloping Gala has nothing to do with it, I'm sure," Thunderlane countered.

Her grip weakened as the accusation struck home. Thunderlane grinned as he managed to shrug off her leg and started to turn. Cloud Chaser had already made it behind him, however, and her overly-eager smile hadn't faded in the slightest. Even if she was trying (and failing) to cover it with her now-free hoof.

"Wait. You got invited to the Grand Galloping Gala?" Thunderlane actually shuddered at how fake her surprise sounded. "Reeeeally? I certainly hadn't heard about that!"

"Guess you missed Ditzy shouting about it earlier," Thunderlane said as he tried to step to the side. "Look, it's really not a big deal—"

"Are you serious? Thunderlane, this is huge deal!" Cloud Chaser argued, her wings flaring out to block his path again. "I mean, THE Grand Galloping Gala! The biggest social event in all of Equestria!"

"I've heard the hype," Thunderlane muttered, silently praying the conversation would just end.

"So... are you bringing anypony?"

And there it was. The question he'd been dreading. Thunderlane's hooves stopped, a disgusted sigh escaping from his mouth as he looked at Cloud Chaser's face again. She still wore the same eager grin, only now it was coupled with a pleading look in her eyes. The same face he'd seen at least fifty times that morning.

"Look Cloud—" he started to say.

"Thunderlane!"

A new voice cut him off. Both he and Cloud Chaser turned, just in time to see a pale-lavender blur streaking towards them. Cloud Chaser didn't even have time to gasp in surprise before it slammed into her, sending her sailing off into another patch of fluffy clouds.

"Flitter. Great..." Thunderlane let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes.

The newly arrived pegasus just giggled as she flipped her greenish mane back behind her neck. Likely trying to draw attention to the braid it was done up in, and the lack of her usual pink ribbon. Neither of which gave Thunderlane much hope for the conversation he was about to have.

"So... uh..." Flitter bit down on her lip, leaving the stallion to wonder if somepony had actually noticed his impatient scowl for once. "Hi?"

"You already heard about my Gala ticket too, didn't you?" The look of shock on her face didn't make Thunderlane feel better. If anything, it just made him want to kick something all the more.

"Gala ticket? Wh-what are you talking about?!" Flitter stammered out, one hoof moving over her chest. "I was just on my way to pick up Rumble from school for you and—"

"School doesn't let out until three."

Flitter's wings flared as her lie was exposed. Thunderlane just tapped one hoof impatiently, his eyes narrowing on the mare as a fine bead of sweat formed on her forehead.

"Oh... uh, does it? Heh heh, silly me!" Flitter said, managing to force on another smile as she scuffed her hoof against the cloud. "So... about that ticket to the Gala—"

"Hold it right there!"

That had been Cloud Chaser's voice. Thunderlane didn't have a chance to look for where it came from, and he didn't have to bother. The weather mare came barrelling down from above, sending bits of cloud flying as she landed between the stallion and Flitter.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Cloud Chaser yelled, jabbing her sister with one hoof. "I was here first!"

"Cloud, did you even see the look he was giving you?" Flitter asked as she brushed the hoof off. "He wasn't going to invite you."

"Uh, Flitter? Cloud Chaser?" Thunderlane waved one foreleg, trying to get their attention.

It didn't work. The two mares began circling each other, wings spread. Wisely, he felt, Thunderlane took a step back before loudly clearing his throat.

"Come on you guys!" It was hard to keep his voice anywhere near calm, especially with his pulse thundering in his ears. He was starting to wonder why he even bothered. "Would you just listen for—"

"So what makes you think you've got a better chance than me?" Cloud Chaser spat out, completely ignoring the stallion. "I work with him!"

"Oh let's think. I do watch his little brother after all," Flitter answered with a smirk and a flip of her braid. "So he knows that I'm nicer, funnier, prettier—"

Cloud Chaser let out a growl. Her wings pumped, and she started to charge—

Oh that does it

With a furious snort, Thunderlane lashed out with his rear legs.

CRACK-BOOM!

"ALRIGHT! ENOUGH!" He shouted.

Thunderlane was breathing heavily, his hooves tingling as a few sparks fell from them. The chunks of cloud he'd kicked floated away, their thunder spent. It had had exactly the effect he'd wanted, though. Both mares froze, Cloud Chaser in mid-flap causing her to flop face first onto their cushiony perch.

Positive that their eyes were on him, Thunderlane's muzzle dove into his lunch bag. With a scowl, he pulled out the golden ticket that he'd hidden inside. Unsurprisingly, both sisters' eyes went right to it as he transferred it to his wing.

"Are you two seriously going to fight over this stupid thing?!" He didn't care that he was shouting, or that the two mares were cringing away. "I mean really! It's just a stupid ticket to some fancy Canterlot party!"

"But—"

Flitter and Cloud Chaser both tried to speak up at once. Thunderlane didn't care to listen as his wing folded, cutting them off as he crumpled the Gala ticket into a tiny glittering ball.

"I've had everypony I know pleading with me, doing me favors, and arguing with each other all day to try and get their hooves on this ticket," he snarled out, flicking the ticket into the air. "If that's the way everypony is gonna act, then nopony is getting it!"

CHOMP

With a satisfied smile, Thunderlane felt a metallic taste hit his tongue. Flitter and Cloud Chaser were both staring at him in disbelief.

"THUNDERLANE!"

WHAM

That was all he had time to see before something blue slammed into him. His eyes went wide as he found himself being carried backwards by whatever it was. Something that was leaving a rainbow-colored streak as they flew. Up until it drove him into a huge cloudbank. His stomach flipped as the pressure on it increased, the air driving from his lungs...

And the slightly damp ticket flying from his mouth, where a waiting cyan hoof caught it.

"I don't believe it... I-I just can't believe it!"

Thunderlane coughed as the force on his barrel lessened. His vision slowly swam back together as he managed to draw in a breath. Just in time to see the smiling face of a rainbow-maned mare looking down at his Gala ticket.

"Rain-" he coughed one last time before managing to get his voice back. "Rainbow Dash?"

"You've got a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala. I heard the news going around the office but..." Ponyville's weather manager was looking from the invitation in her hooves and back to him, the disbelief obvious in her both her face and voice. "You got a ticket, and you almost ate it?! What were you thinking?"

That I didn't have enough problems today?

Thunderlane resisted the urge to spit that answer out. Not that he had the chance as Dash started waving the golden slip in his face.

"Do you have any idea who performs at the Gala every year?" Rainbow Dash asked, her face breaking into another huge smile. "The Wonderbolts! You were just about to throw away a chance to see them-no, to meet them! Live and in pony!"

"Dash, I really couldn't care less right now—" Thunderlane realized he'd said that out loud a second too late.

Rainbow Dash was glaring at him. He instinctively cringed, wings snapping against his sides. Somehow, for a brief moment, he'd forgotten about his manager's obsession with Equestria's premiere stunt flying team. The look on her face said that he was about to regret that.

Unless...

His eyes flew wide, looking from the ticket to Rainbow Dash. He hesitated for a second, though. The idea that had just jumped into his head was crazy and selfish, and he knew it.

As the mare took a step towards him with a face like a wild storm cloud, however, his uncertainty quickly vanished.

"But I can see you do!" he said quickly, digging a bit further back into the cloud to buy himself time to talk. "Tell you what? Why don't you just have the ticket?"

Dash's face went completely blank for a second. Cautiously, Thunderlane unfolded his limbs a bit.

"Are... are you for real?" she asked, the corners of her mouth flicking up. "You'd just give it to me? Just like that?"

"Sure! I-I mean, seeing the Wonderbolts obviously means a lot to you." Thunderlane laughed a bit, his shoulders suddenly feeling so much lighter as he spoke. "You just take it and invite anypony you want, alright?"

"YEEEEEESSSSSSS!"

With a joyful shout that echoed off the faraway mountains, Rainbow Dash streaked into the air. Thunderlane just heaved out a sigh of relief as he finally pulled himself from the cloud, dusting the last few wisps from his flanks as he watched his boss turn loop-de-loops.

"And that dumb thing can be your problem now," he muttered to himself.

His stomach ached a bit. Both from Dash's tackle and a pang of guilt running through it. Still, Thunderlane had a satisfied smile on his face as the rainbow contrail darted to and fro across the sky. He let out a short chuckle as he spread his wings, preparing to take off.

"So, guess this means we'll need to see somepony about dressing up for this, won't we?" Rainbow Dash's voice suddenly asked from above.

"Huh?" Thunderlane shook his head and thought for a second. "Yeah, I guess so—"

With another second's thought, he realized just what he'd been asked. His head snapped up, jaw dropping as he stared up at the cyan mare hovering above him.

"Wait, what do you mean 'we'?" he shouted, his veins turning to ice. "I gave the ticket to you! You can invite anypony you want!"

"Yeah, but your name's already on it..." Rainbow Dash answered, one hoof rubbing the back of her head. "Besides, I owe you at least this for giving me a chance to meet my heroes!"

Thunderlane tried to protest again, but all that came out was a pitiful squeak. His senses were starting to swim again. Enough that he barely noticed as Dash gave him a pat on the head and a smile.

"I knew you'd be happy! You're alright, Thunderlane," she said, flapping her way back up. "I'll just hold onto this ticket so you don't do something stupid with it again."

"Bu..." Thunderlane couldn't choke out anymore as his eyes followed her.

"Oh, and why don't you take the rest of the day off?" Dash suggested over her shoulder. "You look like you deserve it!"

Without another word, she took off in a rainbow streak. Thunderlane's jaw flapped uselessly a few more times before he realized she wasn't there anymore. His eyes slowly drifted back down.

They immediately shrunk to pinpricks as he saw another nearby cloud. One which Flitter and Cloud Chaser were standing on. The both of them glaring daggers at him, their mouths pulled back into snarls.

Oh pony feathers...

"So Rainbow Dash has your ticket now?" Twilight's voice interrupted. "Seriously?!"

Thunderlane quickly shushed the little dragon as she shouted. His eyes darted about, only finding relief as they saw nothing but empty grass and skies. Slowly, he moved his wing away from Twilight's mouth.

"You've met Dash. She's kinda hard to say 'no' to..." Thunderlane's ears fell flat as he sighed. "And now everypony thinks I gave Dash my guest spot so I could get special treatment!”

"Well why don't you tell them that it's a misunderstanding?" Twilight asked, jumping to her feet. "Just explain how crazy they were driving you—"

"And tell Rainbow Dash how I tried to dump my problems on her?" Thunderlane finished for her with a roll of his eyes. "Oh yeah, that'd go over well!"

Twilight fell silent, her tail and ear fins both slumping. The little dragon sniffled as she sat back down, her eyes falling to her feet. Thunderlane flinched at the sight, his head suddenly ringing with internal scolding as he let out a weary sigh.

"I'm sorry, Twi. I really don't mean to keep snapping like that," he said, gently patting her shoulder with one hoof. "Between getting bugged for that stupid ticket and now this whole mess… it's just been a really cruddy day."

"It's fine," Twilight muttered as she sat down again, resting her head against one of her paws. "I know the feeling."

Thunderlane's hoof stopped just above the dragon. Slowly, he raised one eyebrow.

Twilight's disappointment was clearly etched on her face. Thunderlane couldn't deny that. But at the same time, something about her tone had an edge to it. Especially with the way her claws were tightly gripping the roll of parchment she'd been carrying, and the thin curls of smoke that she blew out as she sighed...

"So, you're just gonna stay up here?" Twilight asked.

Her grumbling voice caused Thunderlane to shake his head. He looked about again, still seeing no sign of any other ponies despite the raised voices. With a weary sigh, he leaned back against the trunk.

“I… I dunno. I guess so?” he said with a shrug. “I just really wanted to be away from everypony until this whole Gala nonsense blew over and they stopped acting crazy.”

"But what about your ticket?" Twilight's head had lifted again, and Thunderlane's eyes darted to the side. He truly hoped he imagined the familiar, pleading spark in the dragon's eyes…

"Dash can keep it for all I care." Thunderlane drew a deep breath, trying to force his voice to sound less harsh. "But… well, I guess… I really shouldn’t have tried to pass the bit like I did.”

Twilight’s eyes were falling away again. The eagerness in them had vanished. Thunderlane barely noticed as a familiar knot formed in his stomach. This time much more insistent than before.

“Wouldn’t wish the day I’ve had on anypony either,” he admitted, rolling his gaze to the cloudless sky above. “I should probably just agree to go with Dash to save her—”

A short grunt from Twilight followed by a loud scratching sound cut him off.

"Fine." Twilight said with something that sounded suspiciously like a disgusted sigh. "I hope you two have fun then."

By the time Thunderlane had looked back down, the purple dragoness had vanished. Only a long trail of claw marks running down the trunk of the tree and several clawed footprints on the ground below were left.

Time Turner

Thunderlane

Big Macintosh

Cheerilee

"Alright... just keep it together, Twilight." The little dragon was talking to herself once again as she rolled up her scroll. "There's still two ponies left!"

The problem was convincing her body of that. The edges of the list were looking quite ragged thanks to how hard her claws gripped it. She wasn't even sure just how long she'd spent listening to Thunderlane, a thought which drove her feet as they hurried down the road.

"I just need to be a little faster this time!" Twilight insisted, not even stopping to look at any of the passing scenery. "I'm sure I can still get a ticket!"

Even if I was kinda rude with Thunderlane...

Twilight flinched as one fang dug into her upper lip.

"He… he probably didn't want to talk about the ticket anymore anyway," Twilight told herself as she started to pant from the effort of jogging and talking simultaneously. "I'll apologize... later..."

In spite of her desperation, Twilight's rubbery legs started to slow. Wiping sweat from her brow, the little dragoness stumbled to a halt and put one paw against the fence running alongside the dirt road. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, and a smile crossed her face.

The buildings of Ponyville lay far behind her. Nothing but acres and acres of farmland waited beyond the fence she now leaned against. What had her attention, however, was further up the road. A building that, from a distance, looked like another red barn. She could see the extra windows and attic addition, however, as well as flower boxes planted all around it. All the markings of a comfortable farmhouse. Closing her eyes and tilting her head back, Twilight inhaled deeply through her nose. Her racing heartbeat calmed slightly as her senses were filled with the scent of warm soil and fresh grown apples.

“Aaaah…” A blissful sigh escaped her muzzle as she gave a confident nod. “Sweet Apple Acres.”

The purple dragon's legs were already moving again, this time at a much more leisurely pace. Any worries about Thunderlane were miles behind her as she walked. Her smile was just growing bigger and bigger, as more and more memories floated up with each step she took.

Like the sight of the largest stallion she'd ever met, blinking in surprise from her camera flash.

Or watching as Spike tried to get more than one word at a time from the huge earth pony.

And seeing his red coat almost start to glow with how hard he was blushing, as ponies crowded around him, slapping him on the back, thanking him for helping the town. Only to turn stark white as she pulled out her camera again...

"It's perfect!"

Twilight put a paw over her mouth as a few startled birds leapt from their perches above. She couldn't suppress the giggle as she approached the farmhouse, transmitting her parchment scroll to her waiting tail.

"Mac's the shyest-er... the most humble pony in town." Twilight stopped and nodded to herself, snickering a little over her verbal stumble. "I'll bet he hasn't even told anypony he has a ticket yet."

Clearing her throat, Twilight raised one paw to knock on the farmhouse door.

Twilight froze, her claw a fraction of an inch away from its target. Slowly, with one eye twitching slightly, she looked to the side. A window next to the door was open, no doubt the one that the shout had come from. A shout every bit as joyful and excited as Dinky Doo's had been back at the library which, for some reason, sent a feeling of dread creeping into the young reptile's stomach.

Either Granny Smith just got her prescriptions refilled or—

She didn't finish the thought. Biting her lower lip, Twilight jumped over and grabbed the window sill, pulling herself up so she could see inside. A cozy family room greeted her, complete with a squat sofa, apple-patterned wallpaper and paneling...

And a sight that filled her insides with ice.

Big Macintosh wasn't sure what was going to give first.

He could see his sister, Applejack, out of the corner of his eye. The normally orange mare's face was almost the same shade of red as his own. Between that, her bulging cheeks, and the trembling smile on her muzzle, she looked ready to explode into laughter at any moment.

On the other hoof, the red stallion's neck wasn't faring well either. It felt like it was about to snap under the force of the forehooves embracing it. Rather surprising, as he never would have guessed that the wrinkly green mare responsible for the hug had so much strength. She didn't seem to notice, however, being far too busy covering his face in sloppy kisses.

"Aww, Macky!" The affectionate assault wasn't letting up. If anything, the aged pony's grip seemed to tighten. "If this ain't the nicest-the most thoughtful—"

"Ah guess—" Mac grunted and let out another cough as he tried to speak. "-that's a yes?"

The worrying feeling of something popping in his neck served as the answer. Along with the feeling of his grandmother's hug growing ever stronger. His eyes rolled back up to Applejack, doing their best to plead with the smiling mare even as spots danced across his vision.

"Heh heh heh... Alright, Granny." Applejack was doing a very poor job hiding her chuckles as she trotted over. "Ah think Mac gets the idea."

With some gentle coaxing from orange hooves, the embrace on his neck finally released. Mac drew in a deep breath as he pulled himself upright again. His hoof rubbed over the back of his neck, eliciting a wince as he silently counted his vertebrae.

"Ah just cain't believe it!" Granny Smith was still smiling, looking like she was about to jump for joy despite her trembling hip. "The Grand Galloping Gala! Ah've wanted to go since Ah was a little sprout like Applebloom!"

"Ah know," Mac said, finally smiling as he found no permanent spinal damage. "Glad yer excited 'bout it."

"Oh, but Macky are yew sure 'bout this?" Granny Smith asked.

He didn't have the chance to ask what she meant before her forelegs reached out again. This time they were much more gentle, wrapping around one of his forehooves. The red giant blinked a few times before noticing how sad his grandmother's smile had become.

"This is yer ticket, Macky, and Ah'm just some old biddy," she said as she patted the massive limb. "Yew sure ya don't wanna take some pretty young mare as yer guest?"

"Or maybe yer business-savvy little sister?"

Mac rolled his eyes and turned a glare to Applejack. The orange mare cleared her throat, the hopeful smile on her muzzle beginning to fade. Slowly, one hoof reached up to the brim of her stetson.

“Heh, just a thought,” she said, tugging down her hat to hide her face.

Applejack took a step back. Mac watched her for another moment, before being sure she would stay quiet. With a smile, he turned back to his grandmother and gently laid his free foreleg over her own.

"Ah ain't worried 'bout any young mares," he said, carefully pushing her hooves back down. "Just wanna show mah granny how much Ah 'preciate her."

Before she could protest again, he pulled his legs back. The old green mare's eyes went wide as she saw the glittering golden ticket he'd left atop her hooves. Those same eyes began to water, one hoof lifting her shawl to wipe away the forming tears.

"Aww, Mac..." Granny Smith said as she softly patted his cheek. "If'n you ain't the sweetest little apple this family ever raised..."

Big Mac could feel himself start to blush again. He was honestly surprised the shriveled hoof could bare to touch him with how hot his face felt. Granny didn't seem to notice or care, however, as she continued to smile up at him.

Right before she drew back in a sharp gasp.

"Heavens to Betsy!" she shouted. "That means Ah'm really going to the Gala!"

Her hoof drew away so suddenly it nearly clipped Mac in the jaw. The stallion took a step back as Granny Smith jumped to her hooves and started towards the stairs.

"Somethin' wrong, Granny?" he asked, his pulse racing a bit at the way his grandmother was hobbling.

"If'n Ah'm going to the Grand Gallopin' Gala, Ah gotta look the part!" she answered, looking back over her shoulder as she put one hoof on the bottom-most stair. "C'mon Applejack! We gotta make sure mah fancy girdle still fits!"

"Er..." Applejack visibly flinched before waving to the retreating senior. "You go ahead, Granny. Ah'll be up in a second."

The ancient farm horse was humming a happy little tune as she began her climb. Mac just chuckled a bit as he watched her, waiting until she was out of sight before turning his grin to his younger sister.

"Whew-weee. Don't think Ah've ever seen Granny so excited."

Applejack did not return the smile. Mac let out a grunt as she slid up to his side, tossing one leg over his withers.

"Course, she did sound like she wouldn't mind if yew took somepony else. Not that Ah'm sayin' yew should, of course!" Applejack said, buffing one hoof against her chest. "Ah just wonder if yew really thought 'bout how much good selling our apple treats at one o' the fanciest shindigs in Equestria could do for the farm?"

Mac's smile fell away. With a shrug of his mighty shoulders, he easily forced his sister's hoof off. Applejack didn’t jump back, and her smile didn’t fade even as his eyes narrowed on her.

“Granny’s been good to us,” he said firmly. “Yew know she deserves this more than anypony.”

Mac’s brow furrowed as his sister trembled a bit. Much to his surprise, a chuckle slipped out as she playfully shoved one hoof against his shoulder.

"Aww shewt, 'coure Ah know that. Doesn't mean Ah cain't dream, right?" Applejack asked, her grin spreading from ear to ear. "We both know yer doin' the right thing, Granny's Boy."

Big Mac snorted and glared, but a short chuckle slipped out. Applejack's pent up laughter was finally finding its way out as she threw her leg over him again, pulling him into a hug.

"Well howdy thar, Twilight! What're yew—"

The scream from outside immediately sent Mac bolting to the front door. Perhaps a bit too fast as he felt Applejack get dragged along with him. He did his best not to lose her as he threw open the door and charged outside.

He came to an immediate halt, right in front of a small, yellow filly.

"WHOA NELLY!" Applejack shouted as she went flipping over his head.

Whoops...

Mac winced as the elder of his two sisters crashed to the ground in a cloud of dust.

"Uh... Hi Mac. Hi AJ." The little filly before Mac shuffled her hooves as she looked between her siblings. "What's goin' on?"

"Ah was-ow..." Applejack rolled back to her hooves, flinching as she dusted off her coat. "Ah was about to ask yew the same thing, Applebloom."

"Was that yew yellin'?" Mac asked, his heart still going a mile a minute.

"Well, no..." Applebloom's hoof pointed to the side as she trailed off.

Mac's green eyes followed, and went wide. There wasn't anything where his sister had pointed, but clearly something must have been. And whatever it was had left twin streaks of slightly scorched earth and a trail of clawed footprints.

"But… any clue what Miss Twilight was doin' here?" Applebloom asked.

Big Macintosh just shrugged.

Time Turner

Thunderlane

Big Macintosh

Cheerilee

"Just... gotta... keep... going!"

Twilight could hardly breathe. She'd always thought her insides were just as fireproof as her scales. That theory was crumbling thanks to how hard her chest was burning.

It did nothing to stop her paws from moving, however. The little dragon had fallen to all fours, her tail wrapped tight around her list. She forced down another breath as she barreled down the road with leaping strides. Off in the distance, she thought she heard the clock tower chiming. She didn't even bother to count how many times it rang.

It only served as another reminder that more time was passing.

"Cheerilee..." Twilight coughed and nearly stumbled. "Cheerilee could still..."

Seriously?

"She's nice!" Twilight insisted to her own, doubting thoughts. "She's friendly... warm..."

The little dragon's breathing was easing slightly. Probably thanks to the fact that she was slowing down. Even as she tried to drive her weary legs faster.

"... and caring and kind and..." Twilight's body felt like lead as she stumbled to a halt. Her eyes were watering as she looked at the still-distant buildings of Ponyville. "Oh, who am I kidding?"

She brought her tail around, plucking the scroll out of it. Wiping her eyes with one dusty paw, Twilight unfurled the parchment and pulled out a quill.

Time Turner

Thunderlane

Big Macintosh

Cheerilee

"If anypony already has a date, it's her," Twilight realized.

Something hard and heavy had settled into the bottom of her stomach. The little dragon sniffled as she tottered to the side of the road. With a final, heavy thud, she slumped down against a tree.

It's not fair...

A half-choked whimper escaped Twilight's muzzle as she wrapped her arms around her knees. She could barely see the names on the list anymore, but her eyes wouldn't leave it.

"I... I just..." She didn't even know what she was trying to say. Not that it mattered, since she couldn't finish it anyway. Her voice trailed off into a few hiccups as the tears rolled down her cheeks. The paper crinkled slightly as her grip on it tightened...

RIP

The list was trying to slip from her trembling claws. Twilight just grit her teeth as she tugged harder at the tearing parchment.

It's. Not. Fair!

RIP

The list tore further down its length. Smoke curled from the young dragon's nostrils, even as more tears came. She could feel the fire building in her throat as she crumpled the paper mess and tossed it away.

Why does everypony else get to go and I don't?!

Twilight drew in a deep breath, flames roaring in her chest, her ears, her eyes...

A second drifted by. Followed by another.

Slowly, she breathed out, a column of white smoke hissing between her teeth.

"Because they earned them." Twilight sighed as she answered her own question. "Those are their tickets. They can do what they want..."

But Spike would have taken me.

Twilight clamped her claws over her ear fins. The painful reminder was already bouncing around in her skull however, kicked up like a leaf in the gentle wind that had started to blow around her.

Whap

The thought was thankfully silenced. Though this time it was due to that same wind picking up Twilight's discarded list and blowing it into her face. The dragon let out a low growl as she peeled the torn scroll off.

She blinked in surprise, however, as something slipped from its curled bottom and landed in her scaly lap.

"What the..." Twilight's voice trailed off as she picked up the envelope, releasing her list back to the breeze as she opened it up. "Oh…. my gosh."

Twilight's paw fell over her mouth as her voice failed. Her tears had dried in an instant, though that didn’t make her eyes any easier to believe. Not even with the golden ticket glinting from between her claws.

Mister Spike Flail, plus one guest,

You are cordially invited to attend

The Grand Galloping Gala

"What... how..." Twilight's head was pounding as she realized she wasn’t imagining what she held. “When did…”

She remembered picking up the envelope. She remembered walking towards the writing desks. Then the realization had struck. Everything collapsed into ink, quills, blank parchment…

And through it all, she never remembered putting the envelope down.

"Have I been carrying this around the whole time?" Twilight asked herself, already knowing the answer.

Well... that's lucky.

Twilight blinked at the thought. It wasn't a happy tone that carried in her head. Even if she could see the little smirk on her face in the fuzzy reflection on the ticket's golden surface. She quickly shook her head, forcing the smile away.

"Spike already promised this to Rarity," Twilight said firmly as she slipped out the small card behind it. "A-and I still have to take care of the RSVP!"

Twilight gripped her quill a bit too hard as she pulled it out. Her body was trembling again in the wake of another idea. One that her stomach was doing back flips over as she did her best to ignore it. She instead forced all her attention onto the small, white card before her.

Thank you for the invitation.

__ I will be attending

__ I can not attend due to the following reasons:

Spike would have invited me.

The white feather froze over the box next to the "will be attending" option. Twilight's eyes darted to the side, landing on the golden ticket again. Biting the inside of her cheek, she tried to tear her gaze away from it...

Rarity just got there first.

"It's fine! He likes her!" Twilight winced as she realized how loud she was shouting. "It's fine..."

But she stole my spot...

Twilight grabbed the quill in both paws, trying to force it down. Neither of the limbs would obey, however. It was almost as though the feather was tied to some invisible ceiling. Try as she might, Twilight couldn’t get it any closer to her goal, nor could she peel her gaze from the scrap of gold to her side.

"Well what can I do? I already told Spike it's okay!" Twilight argued with herself, trying and failing again to lower the quill. "I'm not going to make him change his mind now, that’d be selfish!"

Her breath caught in her throat as the quill finally lowered a bit. Breathing a small sigh of relief, Twilight prepared to place a mark into the proper box.

But Rarity stealing the ticket was selfish too.

One more millimeter and she'd have made it. The quill nearly snapped as Twilight squeezed it, trying to wring a drop of ink onto the card before her claws rebelled again.

Nopony gave her the right. Nopony told Spike it was okay, either.

Twilight's breath was coming harder and faster. Frantically, she pulled her eyes from the ticket back to the RSVP card. Her heart stopped when she noticed which line they landed on.

__ I can not attend due to the following reasons:

Why should either of them get to go?

The quill wavered. Twilight’s wrist began to ache as she clamped down on it with her other paw. She winced, fighting back the pain as she struggled to steady her writing hand.

"I... I couldn't do that!" she protested, even as her eyes lingered on the forbidden line. "I mean... I shouldn't..."

But it's so unfair

Twilight's cheek was beginning to hurt from how much she was chewing on it.

"It really is..." she shook her head. "B-but... that wouldn't make it right!”

Just... think about it.

A soft whisper of wind pushed the flap of the envelope shut. Twilight blinked and shook her head, suddenly realizing she'd been looking at the ticket again. She quickly snatched the envelope up before the wind could get any stronger, and forced her eyes back to the RSVP card.

__ I will be attending

__ I can not attend due to the following reasons:

Twilight swallowed hard as she lowered her quill again. She froze an inch from the paper. The tip began to waver, slowly moving from one check box to the other.

"I can't... I shouldn't..." Twilight said to herself. "Even if it wasn't fair…”

She was breathing heavily. The two lines were taking up her entire vision.

“... Even if he knew I’d want to go…”

Twilight’s chest was starting to burn again. Despite that, her writing paw had stopped shaking.

“And he gave my ticket away anyhow…”

A thin curl of smoke rose from the corner of the dragon’s sneering mouth. Finally, the choice seemed so clear.

Twilight brought the quill down.

Chapter 4

What am I doing?!

Twilight had no answer for the thought. She was far too busy pushing her legs for as much speed as they could muster. No easy task as the question continued to pound away in her skull. Not even the wind whipping at her ear fins as she ran could drown it out. It took all her focus just to keep her legs moving, and for her claws to clutch the white envelope to her chest…

STOP!

Pain radiated through Twilight's middle as her stomach clenched, forcing her to stumble to a halt. The purple reptile doubled over, her chest heaving in and out. A futile attempt to draw in air which did nothing to keep her vision from beginning to darken and blur.

"I... but..."

Twilight could barely get her mouth to work. Her eyes traveled down, locking on the letter she carried so tightly. The only thing her gaze seemed willing to focus on. Her guts immediately twisted again. Twilight grimaced, knowing full well the cause of the pain. She doubted the ink on the RSVP card in the envelope was even dry yet. She could still picture each droplet of the glistening black mark she'd made.

And it's in the wrong spot!

Twilight grit her teeth. The envelope crinkled threateningly as her grip on it tightened.

You know what you need to do.

One claw lifted as Twilight bit down on the inside of her cheek. Its tip pressed against the corner of the envelope.

Change it.

Her paw tensed. Twilight's eyes widened as her claw twitched, eager to rip down through the paper.

Gritting her teeth, she forced it to hold still.

Change it!

"No..." Twilight growled.

The mental prodding stopped.

Twilight blinked as the nagging thoughts fell silent for the first time since she'd sealed the letter. Slowly, she drew in a breath as she eased her grip on the letter, moving her claw back down to her side.

"I won't change it..." she muttered, swallowing hard to try and soothe her dry throat. "This... this is fine."

Her vision was shifting back into focus. Even the pain in her middle was fading as she pulled herself upright again. Color and light were bleeding back into the work as a small smirk crawled across her muzzle.

But think about—

"Think about what?" she asked, cutting off the whimper from the back of her mind. "I'm doing the right thing."

She didn't need to open the envelope. All she had to do was picture what it contained and she felt her resolve bolster, forcing her protesting conscience back into silence. Even so, she did feel tempted for an instant to rip the paper away and look at her handiwork one last time. To see that golden ticket tucked neatly inside, its RSVP card filed behind it and filled out by her own paw.

Thank you for the invitation.

__ I will be attending

X_ I can not attend due to the following reasons: Previous engagement

"Rarity was selfish. She didn't care who she was taking this ticket from." Twilight's feet started moving again as she spoke. "Thunderlane had the right idea. It's better if this thing isn't around!"

The dragon lifted her gaze, her face blossoming into a full-blown smile. The houses and other buildings of Ponyville weren't much further. Peeking out over all of them was the face of the town's clock tower. Its hands ticked inexorably forward, already pushed well past the five-o'clock mark.

"Plus this way, she and Spike can both learn a little lesson," Twilight said, a small giggle slipping out. "Something about being more considerate before they just make plans with my ticket."

Her mind was quiet. Peaceful, in fact, even though she knew there wasn't much time. She could already see the distant plumes of steam moving down the town's railroad tracks. Her scaly body felt light, and strangely powerful, as she broke into a run.

The dragoness had one last stop to make.

Five-thirty had to be Parcel Post's favorite time of the day.

Not that the beige, lanky earth stallion had anything against his job of course. The mark on his flank showed a postage stamp with a heart on it for a reason. But even with a special talent for sorting and delivering mail all around Ponyville, there was no feeling that quite matched the end of a hard day's work.

This day was certainly no exception. The post-stallion had a tired smile on his face as he locked the door to the Ponyville Post Office. It was with an almost regretful sigh that he turned around, looking at the cart that awaited him. One with two hefty looking sacks full of letters sitting in it.

Just one last stop.

With a reaffirming nod, Parcel slipped into the harness for the cart. The scrawny pony grunted as his legs went to work, the cart slowly beginning to roll with him.

"Hey Parcel! Wait a second!"

The stallion stumbled to a halt as he heard the voice. Thankfully his load hadn't gained much momentum, only gently bumping against his flanks before coming to a halt. Putting his best smile back on, he looked towards the incoming voice. Unlike how most ponies would probably react, his smile actually widened a bit as he saw something with claws and scales charging down the road towards him.

"Oh! Well hi there Miss Twilight!" he said, as Ponyville's new librarian skidded to a halt in front of him.

"Hiya, Parcel!" Twilight was panting, but it did nothing to wipe the rather eager smile from her face. "Say, that wouldn't happen to be the mail cart for Canterlot, would it?"

Parcel glanced over his shoulder to the load he carried. A proud smile of his own formed as he looked back to the dragon with a nod.

"Well as a matter of fact, it is," he said, straightening the lapels of his uniform. "Just on my way to get it on the five-forty to the Canterlot Central Post Office, in fact!"

"Perfect!" Twilight cheered, suddenly hopping up and grabbing a nearby lamppost so she was eye-level with the stallion. "Because that's exactly where this letter needs to go!"

Parcel flinched back, barely avoiding Twilight's paw colliding with his face. His eyes crossed as they tried to focus on the white envelope that was suddenly at the end of his muzzle. Even with his vision blurring from the effort, he could make out the golden ink on the front. Much like a set he'd seen in a certain mailmare's deliveries earlier that morning.

"Oh, that's Gala stuff, isn't it?" he guessed, smiling as Twilight nodded in confirmation. "Wow, you should have seen Ditzy Doo when she realized what she had! If she wasn't so set on bringing her daughter, I might've asked—"

"Um, Parcel?" Twilight interrupted, waving her letter. "I really hate to be rude, but it's super important this gets to Canterlot. Like, today."

Parcel had to take a step back as Twilight almost shoved the letter into his mouth. His smile faded, a frown quickly taking his place as he looked at the little dragon. Somehow, the smile she was giving him had something unnerving in it. Possibly the way all of her sharp little fangs were on display, even as her tail wagged eagerly.

"Uh, well... technically the post-office is already closed." Parcel's eyes darted away from Twilight, and his heart nearly stopped as they landed on the distant clock tower. "A-and the train for Canterlot leaves in less than ten minutes!"

He was turning away from Twilight before he'd even realized it. The distant sound of a train whistle pushed any worries about manners from his mind, however.

"There's a lot of processing and sorting that a letter's supposed to go through before it gets sent!" he said, feeling an odd sense of relief break over him as he started to walk. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but that'll probably have to wait for tomorrow's mail—"

He came to an immediate halt as a scaly purple roadblock suddenly dashed in front of him again.

"Alright, yeah I know that! And I'm sorry it's so late!" Twilight's eyes were wide. Almost desperate as she held out the envelope again. "But... well it's about Spike's Gala ticket and I promised I'd take care of the RSVP while he was busy and I don't want to disappoint him!"

Parcel stifled the frustrated sigh before it could escape. As much as he wanted to push past and be relieved of his burden, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the distraught dragon. Especially as her lower lip began to quiver a bit.

"Well..." he said, reaching out with one hoof. "I mean, I guess it won't hurt anything just this once..."

"Great, thanks!"

His leg stung as a purple paw slapped across it. Parcel winced, first from the pain, then from the cloud of dust that was suddenly kicked into his face. By the time he'd waved it away and could open his eyes fully, Twilight was gone. Only a faint shimmer of sun off distant purple scales could be seen cresting the hill back towards Town Square.

"Uh... You're welcome?" He shook his head and looked to the letter he'd been given. "I guess..."

The distant whistle sounded again, and Parcel's heart skipped a beat. He didn't even bother to check the time as he broke into a gallop, the cart rattling behind him. There was no time to worry about proper procedure or sorting.

And certainly none to think about the oddly malicious smirk on Twilight's face right before she'd run off.

Done and done!

Twilight breathed out a very pleased sigh. The first in hours that hadn't had any smoke or sparks of flame mixed in. Her feet finally slowed to a more leisurely pace as she glanced over her shoulder towards the clock tower.

"Five-thirty-five," Twilight whispered to herself as she walked. "The mail train leaves in just five minutes!"

And takes Spike's ticket back to Canterlot with it!

"Heh..."

A grin crawled across her face once again as a short chuckle slipped from her mouth.

"Heh heh heh..."

Followed closely by another one as she steepled her claws.

"Heh heh... Ha ha ha... AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Her shoulders shook as the laughter fully broke loose. Nothing but blue sky filled her vision as she threw her head back. She was rising along with her mirth, straight into the heavens above...

"Mommy, why is she laughing like that?"

“Honey, it’s rude to stare…”

Twilight blinked, her senses suddenly grounding themselves again. A dark blush colored her cheeks as she looked around, noticing the few other ponies on the street. Stallions on their way home from work, a mare and her filly carrying bags of groceries, all of them staring wide-eyed directly at her.

"Aheh... d-don't mind me!" Twilight cleared her throat, feet shuffling slowly to the side. "Just, uh, remembered something funny... is all..."

Most of them seemed satisfied with the answer. At the very least, they stopped looking at her and began walking again. That didn't change the fact that Twilight could feel her face burning. Her eyes darted to the side, locking onto the largest object they could find. With the smallest feeling of relief, she spotted a fountain in the middle of the plaza and immediately scampered towards it.

"Alright, get it together, Twilight..." she coached herself, panting to catch her breath as she reached her goal.

She glanced around one last time. Confirming the ponies from before were gone, Twilight's paw dashed into the fountain's pool, splashing cool water across her face. Her blush faded as she let out a long, slow breath and lifted her gaze once more.

"I still need to get home," she told herself as she wiped the water from her eyes. "Oh, and think about what I'm going to tell—"

Her voice came to a sudden halt.

Not due to anypony else speaking, but simply because her heart had suddenly lodged itself in her throat.

"S-Spike?!" Was the only thing she could wheeze out.

Her grip on the fountain slipped. With a short yelp, Twilight found herself laying flat on her back behind the fountain. She barely noticed the fresh ache, however, jumping back to her feet in an instant. Her pulse raced as she braced against the plaza's centerpiece, her breath coming in shallow gulps. Cautiously she leaned out, the tips of her head spines barely peeking over the edge of the pool.

Her eyes widened, still unable to believe just what they were seeing. But there was no mistaking it. No matter how many times she blinked or rubbed her eyes the purple unicorn was still there, trotting into Town Square with his head down, the brim of his fedora hiding his eyes.

Twilight's breath caught in her throat as she ducked back down. Both paws clamped over her mouth, stifling the confused squeaks her voice kept trying to produce. Not that it mattered, since her heart was pounding so hard she was certain the stallion could hear it along with the multitude of questions flying through her head.

What's he doing here?

Did he notice the ticket's gone?!

Is he looking for me!?!

Clack, clack, clack

Twilight's thoughts froze as the sound of hoofsteps caught her attention. Ones that were getting dangerously close to her hiding place.

CLACK, CLACK, CLACK

She squeezed her eyes shut. Spike was just on the other side of the fountain from her. Just a few steps away from discovering her...

Clack, clack, clack...

Slowly, one eye opened. Twilight released the breath she'd been holding as the hoofsteps took a sudden turn. They were growing more distant, marching right past the far side of the fountain without slowing down.

Huh?

Unable to find any reason to deny the curious thought, Twilight carefully peeked out once again.

Spike was, indeed, still walking. The unicorn's gaze was firmly on the ground, his mouth moving slowly as though he were muttering to himself. Almost as though he didn't even realize that anypony else could be around him.

Clack, clack, CLUNK!

"Ow..."

Or anything else for that matter. Twilight winced as Spike picked himself back up, rubbing his forehead and casting a glare at the lamppost he'd just collided with. The unicorn's scowl faded quickly however, and he sidestepped around the offending light fixture. He didn't even give it a second look as he resumed walking again.

"I-I don't get it," Twilight whispered, one claw scratching her head in confusion. "What is he even doing..."

Her voice trailed off again as her gaze moved. This time looking a bit ahead of the unicorn, following the path his hooves seemed locked to. Twilight could feel the heat start to build in her face again as she saw the building that waited at the end of it.

"Oh," she grumbled as she dropped back to her rear. "Of course."

The sudden clarity had reignited her inner fire, sending more smoke seeping from her nostrils. Twilight easily recognized the building, with its pink-patterned roof and blue walls. Almost like it was trying too hard to both blend in with and stand out from the smaller tents that neighbored it.

Carousel Boutique

"Which means he's probably on his way to see Rarity." Twilight's mouth pulled into a scowl as she crossed her arms. "Probably to talk about their plans for the Gala, hmmph..."

Twilight clambered back to her feet, brushing road dust from her scales before leaning from her hiding spot one last time. Spike stood in front of Rarity's place of business, his knees trembling nonstop. He didn't even glance in the little dragon's direction as she slid from her hiding spot. Twilight's scowl faded, replaced with a small smile as she headed for the road Spike had just come down. She could already see the boughs of the Golden Oaks Library rising in the distance.

Clack, clack, clack

She stopped, however, as a trio of knocks echoed from behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she could see Spike pulling his hoof away from the boutique's front door. Even from a distance, she could see the sweat on his face and the frown on his muzzle. Twilight's claws knitted together as her ear fins twitched, barely picking up the sound of the unicorn's wheezing breath.

"Of course..." she muttered, dropping to all fours as she bit her lip. "It couldn't hurt to find out what he's up to..."

Moving on the tips of her claws, Twilight scurried towards her friend. His attention remained completely focused on the purple door before him, still. He barely seemed conscious of anything else around him.

Twilight still held her breath, just to be safe, as she crawled into a nearby clump of bushes.

Clack, clack, clack

"Just a miiii-nute!"

Spike closed his eyes as the sing-song voice carried from beyond the door. A significant part of him had been praying nopony would answer. That he could just turn around and head back to the library.

The sharp pain of him biting down on the inside of his cheek quickly silenced that part.

Just gotta talk to Rarity.

The stallion nodded, his mouth pulled into a tight line.

Alone.

He stopped nodding. Spike's ears fell flat as he suddenly became very aware of how loud his heart was beating.

Alone. With Rarity. Nopony else.

Spike couldn't hear his heartbeat anymore. Likely because it had shuddered to a halt as the realization sunk in. He was hard pressed to miss the noise, however, as a thousand other thoughts suddenly crowded the stallion's skull. His eyes darted to his faint reflection in one of the windows, magic sparking in a futile attempt to flatten his spiky mane, adjust his hat, remove some of the nervous sweat from his brow...

Click

Then, with the soft sound of a turning knob, the door opened. Spike's magic immediately fizzled out, along with his churning thoughts. Both were replaced with a blissfully fuzzy feeling in his head at the sight of the lovely white mare who awaited on the other side.

"If you're here for a design or fitting then I'm very sorry, but we're closing soon and—" Rarity cut herself off, one hoof flying to her mouth. "Spike! Oh, what a pleasant surprise!"

"Uh... uh..." Spike couldn't quite get his mouth to work. It was too busy stretching into a dopey grin as his eyelids started to droop. "Uh huh, uh, surprise..."

He knew there had been something he'd needed to say. Whatever it had been was gone, replaced by only a slight needling sensation at the back of his mind. One that he had no trouble ignoring as a perfectly polished hoof beckoned to him, his eyes swaying to follow its gentle motions.

"Well don't just stand outside! Please, come in!" Rarity was saying, her eyelashes fluttering as she spoke. "I must say you have exquisite timing. I was just thinking about you..."

Spike's eyes flew wide. He could feel his heart stop all over again.

"Y-you were?" he managed to ask.

He wasn't dreaming. The feeling of Rarity's tail gently flicking under his chin was all too real. As was her smile and the way she tilted her head for him to follow as she walked further into the boutique. Already, one of his hooves was rising to follow her.

"Of course, I was, silly," she said with a soft giggle. "I was about to start working on our Gala outfits, and I'd love to have your input!"

Just like that, reality came crashing back in around Spike. Slowly, his leg lowered back to the ground.

The Gala...

"A-actually, Miss Rarity..." Spike swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the lump he could feel forming in his throat. "I kinda needed to talk to you about that."

"Oh, I can only imagine," Rarity said, not even glancing back as her magic began levitating paper and pencils from a nearby desk. "If you're even half as excited as I am..."

"Uh..." Spike's mouth slowly drifted shut.

Focus...

He tried to take a deep breath. A task made all the more difficult as Rarity kept talking. Though the words were blurring together, their meaning was clear.

Joy

Anticipation

And, worst of all, heaping amounts of gratitude directed entirely at him.

Just say it.

Despite his brain's order, the stallion's jaw refused to loosen from around his tongue.

Say it

"I know! Why don't you stay for supper so we..."

Rarity had still been talking, until she turned to face him again. Her excited smile quickly faded, likely because she'd noticed the sweat beading on his brow.

Say. It.

"Spike?" Rarity was getting closer, her eyes and voice both full of worry. "Spike, is everything—"

JUST SPIT IT OUT!

"I'M SORRY BUT I CAN'T TAKE YOU TO THE GALA!"

"WHAT?!"

Spike's head snapped to the side. For a brief second he could have sworn that the clump of bushes nearby had just shouted. In a very familiar voice, at that. His confusion over the issue was quickly forgotten, however, as he heard the harsh crackle of failing magic.

"I... excuse me?"

Rarity's stunned voice yanked his attention from the shrubbery. Just like that, Spike realized what he'd finally managed to say. He could feel his entire body going numb as he turned back towards his hostess.

The sight was just as bad as he'd expected. The pencils and sketch paper Rarity had picked up now lay scattered on the floor around her. She didn't even seem to notice the mess however. Not with the way her blue eyes were drilling into his own.

"I'm sorry, Spike, I-I think I misheard you," Rarity said, slowly removing her hoof from over her mouth. "It sounded as though you just... rescinded the Gala invitation you offered me."

"I... well... It's not like I don't want to bring you!" Spike's throat was hurting, but he had to shout to hear anything over his own ragged breathing. "I love—"

His voice cut out. Rarity was still staring at him in disbelief, her head tilted quizzically in his direction. Spike's jaw simply flapped open and shut for a few seconds, his face suddenly blisteringly hot even as the rest of his body was shivering.

"I love... the idea," he finally said with a feeble sigh. "Of going to the Gala. With you."

A low groan escaped Spike's throat as his eyes dropped to his hooves. Suddenly he just wanted to turn around and run until Ponyville, maybe even all of Equestria, was nothing but a distant speck behind him.

He couldn't run fast or far enough to escape the approaching hooves, however. A set of ivory-white legs slowly walked into view. He put up no resistance as a soft blue light shone under his chin, lifting his gaze to meet Rarity's misty eyes.

"Spike..." Even if her voice was little more than a whisper, it still rang through his ears. Carrying a question that sent his pulse racing anew. "Is... is it another woman?"

"NO! I-well, kinda b-but she's-it's not—" Spike winced in pain as he nearly bit his tongue, his fumbling mouth finally managing to force out two words. "It's Twilight..."

Something in the bushes made a noise again. This time he was sure of it. Spike didn't even glance at the shrubbery, however. He was too busy watching as Rarity dried her eyes, her brow furrowing.

"Twilight?" she repeated, sniffling a bit and raising one eyebrow. "Your assistant?"

"Y-yeah... b-but it's not like that, I promise!" Spike said, shaking his head so hard his fedora nearly went flying away. "I just... it's..."

The magical grip on his chin had faded, and Spike started pacing. At least, he assumed that he had. It was the only explanation he could think of for why the blurry world around him kept shifting. Yet somehow he could feel his thoughts growing clearer, even as everything else faded into a fuzzy mess.

"I've known Twi almost as long as I can remember," he said, a small smile crossing his face. "And she's always worked hard for me."

He could almost see the memories as they floated past. Climbing out of bed to the smell of fresh coffee and seeing the smiling, scaly face waiting in the kitchen. The bright flash of her camera as he focused on the pony he was speaking to....

Each way he looked, there was Twilight. Sweeping, writing, organizing, or even laying a blanket across his sleepy shoulders.

"Spike—"

"The moment I got that ticket, I knew I had a chance to pay her back." Spike's smile faded as he looked down at his forehoof, almost seeing the glitter of gold there. "She doesn't usually like parties, but she always loved reading stuff about the Gala."

"Spike...."

"B-but then you started talking about wanting to go, and I got... overexcited," Spike went on, ignoring both the soft voice and the feeling of his conscience kicking the back of his skull. "And Twilight said it was okay, but I know when she's just saying that when things really aren't, so I thought a lot about it and—"

A white blob was in front of him when next he turned. His babbling came to a halt as one of its hooves gently pressed over his mouth. Spike blinked, his vision suddenly pulling itself back into focus.

Though he nearly melted into a blob himself upon realizing that Rarity was actually touching him.

"Spike, don't say another word," she ordered.

The stern tone of her voice drove the pleasure from Spike's mind. His eyes drifted down again as she lowered her hoof, his mind going silent. Already he was resigned to his fate. No amount of bracing could prepare him for whatever Rarity was about to unleash.

"I understand completely."

"Y-yeah, that's what—" Spike's voice choked to a halt, his head snapping back up. "Wait, you do?!"

The question was answered as soon as he laid eyes on Rarity. Even with a silk handkerchief dabbing at the corners of her eyes, she was still smiling and nodding.

"I suppose it's obvious that you care about Twilight," Rarity said, her voice a bit choked as she tried to clear her throat. "I think most of the market place figured that out at least..."

Spike coughed a bit, trying very hard to keep the blush from his cheeks. A task he failed spectacularly at when one of Rarity's hooves reached up and gently brushed against his cheek.

"If you want to show Twilight how much you appreciate her by bringing her as your guest..." Rarity let out a small sigh as she lowered her hoof again. "Well, who am I to stand in the way?"

"Y-you mean it?" Spike's eyes went wide as Rarity nodded her head once more. "That's great! I-I mean... N-not great great, but she's gonna... I'm just sorry about—"

"If anypony should apologize, it's me," Rarity cut him off, her smile fading to a guilty grimace. "I didn't even consider whether you already had plans for your ticket before... hinting that I'd like to go with you."

Spike's mouth clamped shut. He could already feel his chest swelling with barely contained joy. It took everything he had to force it back down, along with the internal cheers of "She really wanted to go with me!"

"It's not your fault, Miss Rarity!" he insisted, perhaps a bit louder than was necessary. "I'm the one who didn't tell you—"

"No, no! Don't try to make me feel better. I nearly kept a little girl from the greatest night of her life!" Rarity said, shaking one hoof in his face. "If bowing out is the only way I can fix it, then so be it."

"I-I don't know what to say," Spike rambled out, before realizing what a fib that was. "Thank you! You have no idea how much this is gonna mean to her—"

A soft smek sound and a brush of heat against the tip of his nose interrupted him. Spike's voice died in his throat, his entire body suddenly white-hot as Rarity's muzzle pulled away from his own with a smile.

"I think you've said more than enough, Spike," she said, a soft giggle slipping out as one hoof gently pushed against his chest. "Now, why don't you run along and tell Twilight the good news?"

"I... uh..." Spike couldn't protest or resist. His body felt as light as a balloon, drifting backwards at the mare's soft touch. "Uh huh..."

His legs slowly floated back to the ground. The dopey grin still stretched his muzzle as Rarity waved from the doorway of Carousel Boutique. It was with great reluctance, and a soft push from her magic, that he found himself turning back towards the plaza.

"Oh, and one more thing!"

Spike's neck nearly snapped with how fast he tried to look over his shoulder.

"Do make sure you bring Twilight here for her Gala dress," Rarity said, an eager smile on her face. "I've never had the chance to design one for a dragon before!"

"W-will do!" Spike cheered, his hooves already moving. "And thanks again!"

Rarity was calling out her own farewells, but Spike didn't look back. He didn't even bother to look at the clock tower for the time. His legs felt lighter than they had all day as he took off down the street.

"Aaah... he really is a sweet guy..."

Rarity still had her smile as she watched Spike run off. Her sketchbook floated next to her, gently fanning her face. With one final sigh, the unicorn straightened her posture once more and turned back inside.

"Well, a mare's work is never done," she said as she marched inside. "Oooh, and I'm still going to have at least a dozen designs to make with all the Gala invitations floating around!"

With a gentle clack, the door to Carousel Boutique was closed once again.

That same sound was like a signal to Twilight's numb body. The dragon's claws fell back to her sides, letting the boughs of the bush close around her again. For a few seconds, all she could do was stand stock-still, the last few minutes repeating over and over in her head.

"He changed his mind," she finally muttered.

Her purple eyes were going wide. The knot that had been sitting in her stomach all day suddenly vanished, and a short chuckle came floating out. Followed quickly by another.

"H-he changed his mind! Heh.. heh heh...." Twilight couldn't hold back the laughter as a huge smile broke across her face. "Spike changed his mind! Th-that means... that means..."

The world exploded into fireworks around her as the thought rang through her head.

"YES!" Twilight shouted, not caring who heard or saw her as she jumped clear out of the bush. "YESYESYESYESYESYES—"

VROOOO-VROOOOO

Twilight froze in mid-air, her ear fins flapping in the breeze. Off in the distance she could hear the unmistakable sound of a train whistle. For one brief instant, she wondered why she'd noticed.

And then her veins turned to ice.

"Oh no..." she gasped.

Horrified, purple eyes darted upward. Inwardly, Twilight was praying that she was wrong. But she could clearly remember everything she'd done. Writing on the card, stuffing it and the ticket into their envelope, handing it off to Parcel Post, and eagerly watching the clock tower...

Whose hands now pointed to five-forty.

"NO!" Twilight screamed.

She was on the ground before she even realized it. A trail of magenta fire sprang up in her wake as she ran faster than she'd ever thought she could. The train station wasn't far. In fact, it was already coming into view.

Just in time for Twilight to see the tail end of a train pulling away from the platform.

"No!" she shouted, pushing her paws harder. "Come back!"

The massive steam engine either didn't hear her or didn't care. Neither did anypony else as she darted onto the platform and charged after it.

"Please!" Her lungs were burning, and she could barely see with the way her eyes were watering. "P-please..."

Gasping for breath, Twilight stumbled to a halt as she reached the end of the loading platform. Her foot claws dangled over the edge, one paw still stretching out as if it could grab the train as it sped away.

A futile effort. The last car was already shrinking into the distance. Racing towards the towering mountain to the north and the city that sat atop it.

"No..." she muttered. "Th-the ticket..."

The early evening sun was already dying the side of the mountain. From down in Ponyville, the ancient spires of Canterlot seemed to change from marble to gold. Almost as if they were taunting the little dragon as she fell to her knees, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"B-but... I..."

She couldn't even get a whimper past the rock lodged in her throat. The whole world was collapsing into a blur of tears around Twilight as she toppled onto her side. Only a few quiet sobs escaped as she wrapped her arms around her knees and her tail curled over her feet.

"No, no, no, no..." she whispered, not even bothering to try and dry her eyes. "Oh... this can't get any worse..."

Oh yes it can.

The tears immediately came to a stop.

Slowly, Twilight pushed herself back up. The taste of dread was thick in the back of her throat as she turned back towards the town.

She swallowed hard as her eyes locked on the upper boughs of a grand old oak tree peeking over the surrounding rooftops.

I still have to tell Spike...

Chapter 5

"Alright..." Twilight muttered to herself. "Maybe this won't be so bad?"

... That's a joke, right?

Twilight flinched. The thought still stung, even if she agreed with it. Her head was already swimming, filling with pictures of Spike. His piercing green eyes drilling through her, teeth grinding into a furious snarl, the library windows fogging from the sheer amounts of steam pouring from his nostrils—

"Ow!"

The little dragon's tail fell from her claws, a grimace on her face as she looked at the scale she'd accidentally pulled from it. A tiny fleck of purple that blurred as her eyes focused past it to the door she'd been trying to pretend wasn't right in front of her. Twilight's heart began to race as the scale fluttered from her claws.

She swallowed hard, her gaze travelling up the branches of the library, coming to a rest on the loft window overhead. Even from the ground she could make out the sounds and shadows of something moving around inside.

Which means Spike's definitely home already.

"This... I can do this," Twilight said, her paws balling into fists. "J-just go in there and tell Spike... tell him..."

Her head was starting to spin again. More steam and snarling teeth floated across her vision. She tried to draw in a breath, the air burning as it whistled down her dry throat, but still her voice refused to say the words. Swallowing hard, she looked up at the loft window once more before reaching forward with a trembling paw.

"H-he might not have noticed it's gone yet?" She wasn't sure if it was a question or a prayer as she grasped the door handle. "M-maybe if I just act natural—"

The musings cut off as something yanked on Twilight's arm. She had just enough time to realize the door she was holding had flung itself open before she found herself flung into the library's main room, landing on the hardwood floor with a thud.

"Twilight!" somepony shouted.

"I'M SORRY!"

The one who called her name might have jumped back when Twilight shouted. She couldn't be sure. Her voice had cut out right afterwards, both of her eyes squeezing shut and her paws clamping themselves over her ear fins as she just lay trembling in place.

So much for acting natural.

Twilight grit her teeth. Her frozen throat didn't have the strength to snap back at the thought, however. She didn't have the chance to anyway, as a familiar tingling sensation quickly swept over her body. Her heart shuddered to a halt as she opened one eye and found herself covered in a green glow.

"There you are!"

The same voice from before spoke again, this time as the light hoisted her into the air. Her numb claws dangled beneath her, a second too slow in their attempt to anchor her to the floor. Reluctantly, the dragoness pulled her gaze up.

Just as she'd feared, she found herself looking into the green eyes of her best friend.

"Where have you been, Twi?" Spike asked, his magic pulling her closer. "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"Y-you..." Twilight swallowed hard, her voice barely more than a tiny squeak. "You were?"

"Of course!" Spike answered.

... I'm doomed.

She wanted to cringe. To run away. To do anything other than float limply in midair. Spike's magical grip was too strong, however. Twilight's vision was fading, her breath coming in shallow gulps as the unicorn moved in with an anxious look on his face...

"Today's articles are due any minute!"

Twilight's eyes snapped back into focus. Just in time for several sheets of parchment to shove themselves at her.

"I went looking for you earlier, but I-er... got distracted—" Spike was pacing, one hoof trying to pat down his fraying mane as he glanced to the clock. "B-but then I got home and you still weren't here and I was about to go looking again when—"

FWOOSH

Twilight could feel some of her frozen body thaw as the papers were consumed by a flash of magenta fire. At the very least her breath was easing, the warm feeling of her own flames glowing in her chest as the reports collapsed into a curl of smoke. She almost managed to smile as it darted over her shoulder and out the door with a soft, musical chime.

Her comfort with the familiar sight vanished, however, as Spike darted after it. The green magic holding her in the air flickered out just as he ran past.

"Whoa-oof!" Twilight grunted as she tumbled to the floor again.

Her paws were smarting, but she mentally congratulated herself for managing to land on all fours this time. Though she still winced a bit as she pushed herself back up and turned around. Spike stood in the doorway, his shoulders visibly relaxing as six bells tolled in the distance.

"Phew... that should keep Ink's blood pressure stable at least," he said, turning a smile towards the dragon as she brushed herself off. "Thanks, Twi. You've got great timing!"

In spite of the praise, Twilight frowned. She could feel a fresh knot trying to tie itself in her stomach as her eyes darted to the ground.

"Don't you believe it..."

"What was that?" Spike asked.

The bitter aftertaste of the muttering had already hit her tongue before Spike had even said anything. Twilight's eyes still went wide as she realized the thought had slipped out. One paw clapped over her mouth as her gaze shot back up to Spike. The unicorn's smile was faltering, and Twilight could feel her heart hammering away at her ribcage once more as he raised one eyebrow.

"Uh, I said... 'aww, you don't mean it?'" Twilight said, straining to keep her voice steady. "Because, heh, I'm just doing my job, you know!"

Smooth...

Twilight did her best not to sneer as she willed her thoughts to shut up. Spike was still looking at her, and she could feel the sweat starting to bead on her forehead.

A few tense seconds passed, before the stallion finally shrugged and looked over his shoulder.

"Well, I'm still glad you got back when you did," Spike said as his magic eased the door shut. "Where'd you go, anyway?"

"Oh! Uh... nowhere in particular," Twilight answered, quickly forcing on what she hoped looked like a smile. "Just out for some fresh air, that's all!"

Spike was staring at her again, this time his head tilted as his brow scrunched up. Twilight could feel her jaw starting to ache as she tried to make her smile bigger. Though that was nothing compared to the way every fiber in her brain burned. Her eyes darted about the room, frantically searching for something, anything, to end the conversation.

"That must have been some walk," Spike finally said, letting out a short chuckle. "I never even saw you while I was out!"

"Guess we just missed each other. Or something," Twilight said quickly, her gaze finally landing on the clock as an idea suddenly sprang into her mind. "But wow, is that the time? I really was gone longer than I thought! No wonder I'm so tired..."

Twilight trailed off, drawing in as deep and yawn-like a breath as she could. Half-shutting both her eyes, she began to shuffle away from Spike. A relieved smile played across her muzzle as she turned around, seeing nothing between her and the stairs up to the loft.

"I'm just gonna go read in my bed," she said, waving one paw over her shoulder. "Let me know if you need anything else!"

She wanted to move faster, but she forced her legs to keep up their slow, sleepy pace. Even if it was just an act, though, she couldn't stop picturing her cozy little basket upstairs. Every fiber of her being just wanted to crawl into it, pull the covers over her head, and never leave it.

Ever.

She could feel the smile on her face getting more and more sincere as her feet kept plodding along. As such, it took her a few moments to realize that, despite all her walking, the stairs weren't getting any closer. A growing sense of dread began to build in her stomach, as she also noticed the light tingling sensation on the tip of her tail.

"Actually... there was one other thing."

Spike was talking, and it was undoubtedly his magic that was slowly pulling her back towards him. Twilight tried to break into a run, but was too late. One of his forelegs had already planted itself on her shoulders.

"I have a little surprise for you, Twi," Spike said as he drew her right up to his side.

Oh please no

Twilight put one paw over her mouth, trying to fake another yawn. She knew it failed spectacularly as her breath kept catching in her throat. Spike didn't seem to notice anyway, a huge smile plastered to his face as he gently turned her back around to face him.

"Uh, surprise? Gee, thanks Spike but..." Twilight cleared her throat, a vain attempt to get her voice to sound normal. "I'm really not sure I'm up for a surprise right now."

"Aww, you don't even know what it is yet!" Spike countered, giving her an affectionate squeeze as he spoke.

Wanna bet?

Twilight bit down on her lip before her thoughts could voice themselves again.

"Now, I know what you said about the Gala ticket..." Spike started.

The dragon was only half listening. Too much of her attention was focused on her own internal berating. Wondering just why she hadn't seen this coming.

Because of course he'd want to bring it up right away!

"... but I thought about it..."

Twilight squeezed both her eyes shut. Spike either wasn't looking at her or didn't care about the grimace on her face.

The situation wasn't anything like she'd pictured. No smoke. No glaring. No yelling. Just the feel of Spike's gentle hoof, the warm glow of his magic around her, the subtle excitement in his voice as he kept talking...

"... and I talked to Rarity..."

Somehow, all of it was worse than anything she could have imagined.

"Spike..." Twilight muttered, one paw patting against his hoof. "C-could you... uh, could you not?"

Her voice was so soft, she wasn't sure that the unicorn could even hear her. Still, he fell silent. Twilight didn't even bother to look up at the confusion that was likely painted across his face. She just closed her eyes and drew in a long, shuddering breath.

"Th-there's something..." she said, her voice slowly growing in volume. "S-something I should probably tell you about first—"

"SPECIAL DELIVERY!"

She couldn't get any further before a new voice broke in. Rather than cursing the interruption, though, Twilight's eyes flew wide open. Spike's were doing the same as the both of them turned towards the source of the sound.

A blur of gray, rapidly approaching one of the library's windows.

"Hold that thought!" Spike shouted.

Twilight didn't argue, not even as Spike nearly knocked her over with how fast he spun away. The green glow of his magic spread across the room, sending several of the reading cushions flying through the air. The stallion was gritting his teeth, his face a mask of concentration as the pillows flew faster, gathering into a large pile beneath one of the bookshelves.

Twilight took another glance to the window, and her eyes shrunk to pinpricks. Both her paws immediately jumped up to cover her ears

"HISPIKEHITWILI—"

WHUMPH!

Warily, the little dragon cracked one eye open.

A cloud of feathers was floating in the air above the makeshift crash mat. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as she looked around, noting that each book was on its proper shelf rather than laying scattered on the floor. And Spike stood in the center of it all, a proud grin on his face as his horn slowly dimmed.

"I am getting good at this," he said as he trotted up to the pile of pillows.

Twilight could only nod in agreement as Spike shifted some of the cushions aside. His horn sparked once again, magic seizing hold of the long tail that stuck out of the mess.

"Hey, Ditzy?" Spike asked, gently tugging on the strip of blond hair. "You do remember you already brought me my mail today, right?"

"Mmm-mmph! MMmhmmphmm..."

"What did she—" Twilight started to ask.

He question came to a halt as the reading cushions began to tremble. Instinct took over as Twilight dove to the floor. Just in time, as a pair of wings shot from the pile sending the pillows and their feathery stuffing scattering in every direction. The little dragon clamped down on her muzzle, doing her best not to laugh as a wad of feathers caught Spike full in the face. Ditzy Doo, unsurprisingly, seemed oblivious to the havoc as her smiling face poked out of the now significantly smaller landing pad.

"Hee hee! I said 'Of course I remember, silly!'" Ditzy giggled as her forelegs emerged, trying pull the rest of her body free. "That's what makes this a special delivery!"

With one final grunt, the mailmare popped free, her mailbag bouncing against her chest. Spike was coughing, one hoof pounding against his chest as he tried to pull himself up straight.

"So what—" With one final, massive cough, a feather flew from his mouth. Twilight had to fight down another giggle as his cheeks darkened. "So what is it? I mean, the Gala tickets were already special enough for me!"

"Well, it's not really a delivery," Ditzy admitted, opening up her bag and sticking her muzzle in. "It's-uh-actually a return and... hmmm, where'd it go?"

The gray pegasus pulled herself up straight, and Twilight could feel her ribs crack. The mailbag completely covered Ditzy's head, leaving the mare turning her head in confusion. Her fears and sorrow from just a moment ago felt miles away, especially compared to the laughter that was going to slip out any second...

At least until a single, white envelope fluttered out of the sack.

What

A nimbus of green light shone around it, stopping the letter in midair as Ditzy pulled her head free. Twilight's laughter was forgotten, her eyes going wide as the magic highlighted the golden script on the paper.

"No. Way." she breathed out.

"A return?" Spike was asking, the envelope floating a little higher as he squinted at it. "What are you—"

Twilight didn't bother to hear anymore.

Her feet were flying, the whole world collapsing into a blur around her as she darted forward. Spike, Ditzy Doo, the mess of torn cushions and feathers, none of them mattered as she stretched her arm forward. All she could notice was an overwhelming rush of triumph as she snatched the letter out of midair, not even caring as her feet scuffed the floor on her landing.

"It's back..."

The words slipped out before Twilight could stop herself. There was no doubt in her mind about their truth, though. The envelope she held was unquestionably the same one she'd handed to Parcel Post.

"It's back?" Spike's distant voice asked from somewhere behind her. "What's back? Twilight?"

"This-I-m-my let—" Twilight's eyes were wide as she spun back around, her gaze locking on the smiling gray pony. "Ditzy! Where did you get this?!"

"From Parcel Post!" Ditzy answered with another bubbly laugh, her hoof gently patting down Twilight's head spines. "He said to tell you he's really sorry, but he can't bend the rules that much!"

"Huh?" Twilight asked.

She was reasonably sure that Spike asked the same question. Ditzy just smiled and bent her wing, pointing one of her pinion feathers to a blank corner of the envelope.

"You forgot to put a stamp on it," she explained.

The paper was crinkling, almost threatening to tear in Twilight's claws. Her vision was blurring again as her breathing grew faster and faster.

All as the biggest smile of her life broke across her face.

"It's back... It's really back!" Twilight cheered, the world exploding into brilliant colors around her as she leapt into the air. "YES! YESYESYESYESYESYES—"

"Well... glad you're happy at least."

Twilight blinked, freezing in the midst of her joyful dance. Her smile faded as she slowly looked over her shoulder. Spike was still there, his eyes locked on her, one eyebrow almost trying to attach itself to the ceiling.

"So... what just happened?" he asked.

Don't. Say. Anything.

Twilight's mouth had just started to open. It immediately snapped shut, and her eyes darted to the envelope.

She could almost taste how easy the lie would be.

Just tell him you filled it out for him and Rarity!

The dragon smirked at the thought. She could say it. Spike could tell her about his "surprise". Then all she'd only need to replace the RSVP card and send it out the next day.

And he'd never know the difference.

Her paw lowered She could barely hold back the chuckle as she looked back up at Spike.

I'm so sorry, Twi!

She flinched. The smirk vanished. Somehow, even though Spike's mouth wasn't moving, she could still hear his voice.

I'm gonna fix this.

Her stomach clenched hard as the memory echoed in her head. How she'd barely stopped him at the door. Told him it was alright even as he drowned her in apologies. Even the way he'd smiled and the warmth as he hugged and thanked her...

The moment I got that ticket, I knew I had a chance to pay her back.

And he'd still gone out to talk to Rarity.

All while she'd been racing to the post office with his ticket.

What'd I ever do to deserve a friend like you, Twi?

Twilight sniffled. She could feel the tears starting to roll down her cheeks again.

Nothing, Spike.

She held up the envelope, and placed one claw against the corner of it.

You didn't do anything to deserve what I did.

"Actually Spike," she said, her voice finally clear and steady. "This... this is what I wanted to tell you about."

With a soft rip, the envelope opened.

"You tried to do what?!"

Spike regretted raising his voice immediately. Too late to keep Twilight from cringing, however. Her tail was curled so tight over her ankles, he was sure she'd have tripped had she been standing. Fortunately, the little dragon was seated on his bed, though she was trembling so hard it was a marvel she hadn't slipped off.

Somehow, the sight left him with a disquieting feeling of relief at the fact that Ditzy Doo had gone home when requested. Letting out a low sigh, Spike walked over to the little dragon.

"Twi—" he winced, forcing himself to speak softer and slower. "Twilight, it's okay. I'm not mad."

The bundle of scales on his bed gave one last sniffle. Slowly, a tear-filled purple eye glimpsed from between her claws. Twilight's paws reluctantly lowered, one pausing for a brief second to wipe her nose before dropping into her lap.

"Y-you're sure?" she asked, her voice a tired whisper. "Because you still look kind of mad..."

As much as he wanted to argue the point, he couldn’t. Despite his best efforts to smile, Spike could feel the tight line his mouth had formed. Something was still glowing hot in his chest, a feeling he was struggling to fight down as he hefted himself onto the bed next to the dragoness. Whatever it was, the unicorn could see a faint wisp of steam coming from his nose as he let out a small snort.

"Alright, maybe I'm a little mad. A little." Spike flinched, his emphasis not enough to keep Twilight from sliding away from him. "But really, I'm... I dunno, confused? I guess?"

Twilight stopped squirming. A small comfort with the way his insides were rolling. Spike put one hoof to his stomach with a grimace, his gaze dropping to the floor as he took a deep breath. He tried very hard not to notice how the feeling seemed to settle as he looked away from Twilight.

"You're really not making any of this up, are you?" Spike asked, his eyes refusing to even glance at his assistant. "You tried to get rid of my ticket? Just to get back at me?"

Twilight's gaze was falling to the floor. Spike could feel it, even if he wasn't looking.

"Yeah," she answered with a soft sigh. "Yeah, I did."

Spike put one hoof to his stomach as he felt it twist again.

"I almost can't believe it," he said as he shook his head. "I mean, sure, I messed up but... Twi, that doesn't sound like you at all."

"I know..." Twilight groaned in response. "A-and I knew it was wrong, it's just..."

Spike's ears twitched as Twilight's voice stuttered to a halt, and he finally forced himself to look to the side.

Immediately, his teeth came down on his lip. Twilight still wasn't looking at him, her gaze focused on her claws as they calmly picked at her tail instead. Her shoulders were trembling, however, and he could hear her gasping for breath.

"I-I really meant it. I didn't want you to have to disappoint Rarity just for me," she said, her head sinking lower. "That's why I went to ask the others if they could take me..."

"Twi..." Spike muttered.

She didn't hear him. She didn't even notice as one of his forelegs lifted from the bed. Spike barely noticed himself. The anger and turmoil that had been boiling inside him had vanished, replaced with a chill as Twilight wiped at her eyes.

"But everypony else already had a guest, a-and it just felt so unfair!" Twilight's chest was heaving in and out, her claws tightening around her tail. "Then I realized I had your ticket and... and I was just so jealous and angry and I couldn't even think straight and—"

Spike didn't let her finish.

Twilight's voice cut out in a gasp as his hoof descended on her. For a second, he worried whether he'd been too fast. The unicorn pushed the fear aside, however, as he pulled Twilight close, his other foreleg wrapping around her in a gentle hug.

For several moments, neither of them spoke. Spike just closed his eyes as he squeezed the little dragon, one hoof rubbing along her back. The growing knot in his stomach eased slightly as he felt her scaly arms latch around him in return. Though he couldn't help noticing a damp patch forming on his chest where her face was buried.

"Why didn't you say something, Twi?" Spike finally asked. "If I'd known you were that upset—"

"Spike, don’t," Twilight interrupted, her head lifting away from him. "Even after what I said before, you still tried to make it up to me!"

Something pushed against the unicorn's legs, forcing the hug to end. Twilight squirmed her way free, her knees tucking up to her chest so her chin could rest on them.

"I didn't want to seem selfish anyhow..." Twilight sniffled once again, a humorless chuckle slipping from her muzzle. "Just look how that turned out."

Spike's eyes followed her claw as it gestured to the side. The Gala ticket sat on the nightstand, exactly where they'd left it what felt like ages ago. It softly twinkled in the light of the sunset coming through the window, still hanging half-out of its unstamped envelope...

No stamp...

Spike blinked, wondering why he'd noticed the detail.

Then, slowly, a small grin crept onto his muzzle.

"I don't think it's so bad," he said, his magic lifting the letter and floating it between the two of them. "The ticket came back in the end, didn't it?"

“I-why would… I guess…” Twilight muttered, still not looking up. “B-but that was just a lucky accident-”

"You're sure?" Spike asked.

He couldn't hide his smile as Twilight's head jerked up to him. She was still frowning, but her eyes were locked on the envelope. One brow raised as he tapped at the blank corner of it.

"Trying to send the ticket back doesn't sound like something you'd do. But neither does forgetting something as important as a stamp." Spike chuckled a bit as he brushed down Twilight's head spines. "I dunno. Maybe you weren't quite as mad as you think you were?"

Twilight's mouth flew open. Probably to protest. Spike couldn't tell since her jaw simply wound up hanging open as her eyes slowly widened. The unicorn let another laugh slip as Twilight slowly closed her mouth, a small blush appearing on her cheeks.

"Well, like I said: The ticket's back, so no harm done," he said, carefully pulling the golden slip from its paper packaging. "So I guess there's just one last question..."

Spike let his voice trail off. Twilight was biting down her lip, her paws trembling in her lap. He could see the dragon's claws twitching as she just stared at the ticket, and a fine sweat was forming on her brow.

This might be a mistake...

He pushed the thought aside as Twilight took a deep breath, and turned her eyes firmly onto him. With one last glance of his own to the ticket, let the words out.

"What should I do with it now?"

Author's Notes:

Well, just one last little epilogue/denouement to wrap this story up I guess!

Hopefully should have that out sometime in the coming week. In the meantime, I just wanted to extend a thanks to everyone that's read and taken the time to comment on this story. Hope you've all been having as much fun reading it as I have writing it!

Finale

"Aww... so you're not going to the Gala?"

Twilight just sighed in response as she looked down from the ladder. Dinky Doo stood at the bottom, a significantly quieter and less excited filly than she'd been the week before. Her tail was practically brushing the ground with how much it was drooping, and a supremely disappointed frown creased her muzzle.

It was taking a great deal of effort for Twilight to ignore how perfectly the filly seemed to embody her own feelings about the news.

"No Dinky, I'm not," Twilight said as she forced her attention back to the shelf she'd been dusting. "After what I nearly did..."

Her fang dug into her lip as she trailed off, but she ignored the pain. Judging by the lack of pacing hoofsteps, Dinky was still standing silently below. Probably staring as Twilight's grip on the feather duster tightened. Try as she might, she couldn't help picturing the ticket, the envelope, the race to the Post Office...

Nor the lucky break that had brought the letter back just in time. Twilight allowed herself a small, sad smile as she transferred the duster to her tail and grabbed the sides of the ladder.

"Spike tried to fix things, Rarity was... unbelievably understanding about it all," Twilight said as she climbed down. "All while I tried to wreck everything. It wouldn't be fair to either of them if I took Spike's ticket after that."

Twilight didn't bother to turn around as she reached the floor. Her weak smile was already collapsing to a grimace as she started towards the cleaning closet to put the feather duster back. She'd barely taken two steps, however, before something grabbed hold of her from behind. Twilight's instinctive panic faded quickly, however, as she noticed the pale-lilac hooves latching around her middle.

"It still stinks that you aren't going," Dinky muttered, her hug tightening a bit. "It sounded like you would have had a lot of fun!"

For a second, Twilight couldn't talk. The warm, fuzzy feeling that had blossomed in her chest was just too thick to get her voice around. A short giggle forced its way out as Dinky squeezed harder, changing to a cough as the dragon realized how difficult breathing was starting to become.

"Well, thanks for worrying about me, Dinky," Twilight said, patting the filly's hoof as she gently squirmed free of the embrace. "But look on the bright side: You still get to go!"

The new smile she'd forced on fell away as soon as Twilight turned around. Contrary to the happiness she'd expected, Dinky was pouting all the harder. The unicorn had even crossed her forelegs over her chest and turned her head to the side.

"Thunderlane isn't taking Rumble, though," she protested with a frustrated grunt. "And nopony else from school got a ticket either! It's not gonna be as much fun if none of my friends get to come with me!"

Clack, clack, clack

Twilight ignored the knock the at the door. Her conscience tried to protest, but something in her shouted it down. Somehow, the sight of Dinky pouting for her sake was just too adorable for her to share with anypony else. A legitimate smile found its way to Twilight's face as she patted a scaly paw against the filly's shoulder.

"Come on, Dinky, that's no reason you can't have a good time," she encouraged as the unicorn turned back to her, the frown fading away. "Especially since Rumble and I will be counting on you to tell us all about the Gala when you get back."

"We will?"

Dinky nearly pulled Twilight over with how fast she turned to the door. It was sheer luck that the dragon had removed her paw as soon as she'd heard the new voice. As such, she had a perfectly clear view of the library door and the pale-gray pegasus colt that was poking his head in through it.

"Rumble!" Dinky cheered, her joyful bound forward skittering to an early stop as the door opened the rest of the way. "And... Miss Cheerilee?"

Twilight blinked a few times to make certain her eyes were working. There was no mistaking the purple earth mare that stood behind Rumble, however. The slightly disapproving look she was giving the colt was quickly replaced by a much more familiar smile as she turned her attention to Dinky.

"Hello, my little pony!" Cheerilee said as she and Rumble trotted inside. "And you too, Twilight! I hope we aren't interrupting something."

"Oh! Well... public library and all, heh heh heh..." Twilight cleared her throat as her chuckle died out. "So what brings the two of... you... here?"

Twilight's voice trailed off and her brow arched in confusion. Rumble was bouncing a bit on his hooves, casting an eager look to the school teach next to him. He seemed to have found the smile Dinky had been using a week ago, coupled with one of his wings hovering over the flap of his saddlebags.

"Can I tell them now?" Rumble asked, his eyes darting from Cheerilee to Twilight and back again. "I can tell them, right?"

"I think you mean 'may I tell them'," Cheerilee corrected with a short giggle. "And of course you—"

Rumble didn't even wait for the sentence to finish before flipping open his pack. Without a moment's pause his muzzle dove in, emerging a second later with a proud smile and a sheet of paper.

"Chkthis—" He paused for a second to transfer the page to his wing before trying to speak again. "Check this out, Twilight!"

Twilight stepped closer, her eyes trying to focus on the paper. She couldn't read much of the writing thanks to the excited tremors running along the pegasus colt's wing, but a few parts stood out. A golden, star-shaped sticker was stuck to the top of the page. Right next to a large circle with the letters 'A+' written in red ink.

Even with how little that was, it still caused Twilight's jaw to drop.

"No. Way," she gasped out.

Her paw darted out, grabbing the paper. Rumble didn't even protest as she snatched it, her eyes going wider as she read over the title at the top.

"This... this is your book report?" Twilight wasn't sure why she was asking when she already knew the answer. "You did it on Epona's Quest?"

"Yeah!" Rumble cheered, jumping excitedly and letting his tiny wings hold him in the air. "That book was so good I couldn't put it down!"

"Not to mention how inspiring it must have been. Rumble wrote one of the most enthusiastic reports I've read in a long time," Cheerilee added, patting the colt on his head as he landed. "The clear winner of my little contest!"

"And the special prize that came with it!" Rumble added.

A joyful laugh escaped Twilight's mouth. As much as she wanted to jump forward with a congratulatory hug, however, Dinky beat her to it. The lilac filly just suddenly appeared between her and Rumble, both her forehooves landing on his shoulders.

"Oooh! Is that why you're here?" It was hard to tell if Rumble could hear the unicorn with how hard she was shaking him. "You're gonna tell us what the prize was?"

Twilight's brow furrowed at those words. Cautiously, she took a step closer to the two foals.

"Uh, Dinky?" Twilight asked, stretching her claw out and tapping on the filly's shoulder. "Don't you already know what he won?"

"Well actually—" Dinky started to answer.

Thud

Twilight winced. Dinky gasped, apparently not having meant to release Rumble as suddenly as she had. The colt just let out a dizzied groan, his eyes still spinning in two different directions as he lay limp on the floor. Cheerilee was by his side in a flash, though, resting a gentle hoof against his side.

"Actually, I asked Rumble to keep the prize a secret for a little while," Cheerilee explained as she helped the pegasus pony back to his hooves. "It seemed like the best idea given what it was. But Rumble was... very insistent about sharing it once he'd realized what he'd won."

"Oh." Twilight scratched at her head as she looked back to the gray colt. "So, what was—"

She stopped as Rumble's face broke into a broad grin again. His head dove back into his saddlebags, emerging with another piece of paper. This time a plain, white envelope. One addressed in golden ink.

"Tha... you..."

Twilight couldn't speak as she stared at the familiar script. It had Cheerilee's name on it rather than Spike's, and it was a bit more tattered from having been shoved into a colt's school bags, but she still knew exactly what it was. Dinky did as well, apparently, as her shocked voice joined the dragon's.

"You bet it is!" Rumble answered with a laugh. "It's Miss Cheerilee's!"

For some reason, Twilight was having trouble hearing the colt. Even though he stood right in front of her. All she could do was slowly turn her head as a distant giggle sounded, looking through wide eyes as Cheerilee stepped forward.

"Ditzy Doo happened to bring me my mail before class started last week," the school teacher said. "At first I wasn't sure what to do with my ticket, but then I realized what a great opportunity it would be for one of my students!"

"So since I won, she said I could be her guest," Rumble explained as he held out the envelope with one wing. "But—"

"Best. Prize. EVER!" Dinky's voice cut in.

Twilight's senses snapped back into focus as Dinky's wagging tail nearly hit her in the face. Rumble's smile had fallen away, likely due to the way Dinky bounced up to him again. He suddenly looked very nervous as the filly began to collapse once more into a hopping blur.

"This means we get to go to the Gala together!" Dinky cheered, her horn sparking and a yellow glow lifting the end of Rumble's tail. "Oh my gosh, Rumble, we've gotta tell everypony!"

"Uh, actually—" Rumble started to speak.

Whatever he'd planned to say was lost in a yelp of surprise. By the time the sharp BANG of the door opening reached Twilight's ear fins, Dinky had already raced out and dragged Rumble with her. All that was left was the envelope, spinning in midair before apparently realizing nopony was holding it and fluttering softly to the ground at Twilight's feet.

"Oh dear," Cheerilee muttered, one hoof covering her mouth. "Well, I guess I can't blame her for being excited..."

Twilight was only half-listening. Try as she might, she couldn't fight back the frown that was forming as she stared at the letter. One of her claws had already started to twitch.

Gritting her teeth, Twilight clenched her paw into a fist. Just in time, as a purple hoof scooped the envelope back up.

"I just hope Dinky won't be too disappointed," Cheerilee said.

Twilight blinked, and her frown disappeared. Looking up, she could see a coy smile on the teacher's muzzle as the door slowly swayed on its hinges behind her.

"Disappointed? What do you mean?" Twilight asked raising one eyebrow again. "Dinky wanted one of her friends to go with her."

"Oh I don't doubt that," Cheerilee responded with a soft chuckle. "But Rumble actually isn't going to the Gala."

... What.

The dragoness's ear fins twitched, unable to believe what they'd heard. Cheerilee's hoof reached out, gently pushing Twilight's mouth closed. The soft click of her jaw coincided perfectly with the door finally swinging itself shut.

"I-bu-he's not going?!" Twilight stammered out, her mouth suddenly finding the energy to work again. "B-but he won, didn't he? The ticket and the guest spot?"

"That's true, but Rumble said he really wasn’t interested in going,” Cheerilee said as she looked down at the envelope on her hoof. "To be honest, I was pretty surprised myself!”

Twilight started to speak, only for her mouth to snap shut again. She could vaguely recall the colt standing amidst scattered library books, saying something to the same effect. Slowly, she lowered her protesting claw.

"Well I guess that's that then," Twilight said with a shrug. "So who are you going to bring now?"

Cheerilee's eyes lifted from the envelope, and she let out a short chuckle. One that, for some reason, caused Twilight's stomach to twist. At the same time, however, the young dragon couldn’t suppress the excited, fluttering feeling in her chest.

Especially as the laugh was followed by words she'd been both hoping and dreading to hear.

"Actually, I heard that you'd been looking for somepony with a free guest spot."

Twilight's eyes immediately darted down.

"Rumble didn’t want to go, but he knew that you did." Judging by the teacher's cheerful tone, Twilight had a feeling she hadn't noticed her sudden cringe. "Since you hadn’t received a ticket, he thought that offering this one to you would be a wonderful way to thank you for helping with his report!"

A hoof was pushing itself towards her. On it was the envelope. Even through the paper, Twilight could see the glittering gleam of the golden ticket. Slowly, one of her paws began to reach for it.

Just as slowly, she lowered it back to her side.

"I... thank you, Cheerile..." Twilight said as she took a step back from the ticket. "But I don't think I can... or should accept this."

The envelope stayed in place, the purple hoof holding it unmoving. It took all of Twilight's will to peel her eyes from it and look to the side instead, but still she could picture the mare making the offer. The sympathy and worry were practically radiating off of her, bringing to mind the same feelings in a certain pair of green eyes.

"If you heard about me looking for a ticket, then you must have heard about what I tried to do with Spike's," Twilight said as she nervously picked at her claws. "I... I don't really think I deserve anything like this."

She tried to turn away and start for the stairs to the loft. Once again, however, Twilight found her exit stopped by a purple hoof. This time, at least, it only came to rest on her shoulder.

"Twilight, everypony makes mistakes. What matters is that you learn something from them," Cheerilee said in a soft whisper. "And I have a feeling you wouldn't do something like that again. Right?"

Even though the mare's voice was so quiet, Twilight couldn't block it out. She didn't even want to try. The little dragon just sniffled and nodded her head.

"Your friends are here, and we want you to be happy," Cheerilee went on, her forehooves gently turning the dragoness around. "You don't have to hide your feelings from us. Even if you aren't proud of them."

Contrary to what Twilight had thought, the teacher's smile hadn't faltered. It was the first and only thing she noticed before her paws covered her eyes, wiping away the tears that had started to form.

"I-I know. And I promise that it’s not going to happen again," Twilight managed to say, her voice a hoarse whisper. "B-but it still doesn't feel right. Getting rewarded after everything I did."

"Well, that's up to you then," Cheerilee said, her voice as gentle as the hoof that brushed Twilight's cheek. "I'm still willing to make the offer."

Twilight's fang dug into her lip again as the envelope was held up once more. Without a word, she took it one trembling paw.

"You can have as much time as you need to think about it," Cheerilee told her as the dragon's vision filled with the letter and its golden ink. "If you don't feel comfortable, then I'll find another guest to bring, alright?"

"I, uh..." Twilight swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat as she heard hoofsteps walking away. "Al-alright..."

Click

With the soft sound of the door closing, Twilight found herself alone in the library again.

Slowly, she drew in a deep, shuddering breath.

"Uh... help?"

Cheerilee hadn't made it far from the library before the voice brought her to a halt. The mare's head turned, searching for the source of the quiet plea.

It didn't take her long to find it, and she had to quickly cover her muzzle to stifle a laugh.

At the side of the road, laying in the grass by a park bench, was Rumble. The little colt was squirming, trying to escape from what was probably the tightest hug of his life, courtesy of Dinky Doo. The filly seemed blissfully unaware of both her classmate's discomfort, and the attempts Spike and Thunderlane were making to separate them.

"I take it Dinky's been told about our plan?" Cheerilee asked as she trotted up to the group.

Rumble gave a little squeak as Dinky's embrace tightened. Thunderlane seemed torn between amusement and worry as he took a step back from the duo.

"I'm gonna guess so since we found them like this," he said, rubbing one hoof against his temple. "Not really sure how a filly can be this strong though..."

"Rumble, this has to be the nicest thing anypony's ever done for anypony!" Dinky cheered as she nuzzled against the colt's neck.

"Thunderlane..." Rumble coughed a bit as he raised his pleading gaze to his brother. "Pleeeeeease get her off me..."

The older pegasus stifled a chuckle and stepped back up, trying to work his forehoof between the two foals again. Spike, in the meantime, turned to Cheerilee, the magic glow around his horn fading out.

"So..." he said, his voice barely a whisper despite the library being well out of earshot. “How’d it go with Twilight?”

Cheerilee nearly burst out laughing as Spike jumped nearly double his own height. Looking over her shoulder, she could see the branches of the Golden Oaks Library shaking and rattling from the raucous cheer of "Yesyesyesyes" that carried from it. It didn't surprise her at all to see a smile on Spike's face as she turned back to him.

"I think everything worked out fine," Cheerilee answered with a nod.